Chinese scientists have identified a new bat coronavirus, HKU5-CoV-2, capable of infecting humans, raising fresh concerns about potential future outbreaks. In a study led by Shi Zhengli, scientists say this bat coronavirus has a ‘high’ risk of spillover to humans.

The recently identified HKU5-CoV-2 virus has been found in bats within China. While there is a potential risk of transmission to humans, researchers have noted that further investigation is needed to determine the specifics of animal-to-human transmission.

A media report underscores that the virus, found by a Chinese team of virologists, uses the same human receptor as the virus that causes Covid-19.