HKU5-COV-2 virus

Researchers have discovered a new virus HKU5-COV-2 in China.

About the HKU5-COV-2 virus

• This virus is part of the MERS-CoV family, which includes deadly viruses such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV).
• Currently, it has been found in bats in China. The risk of its spread has increased due to uncontrolled wildlife trade in China.
• At present, there is no evidence of its spread in humans, but according to scientists, it can also spread to humans and cause an epidemic.

Symptoms of HKU5-COV-2

If HKU5-CoV-2 spreads to humans, its symptoms can range from mild symptoms of COVID-19 to severe symptoms like MERS, such as fever and chills, difficulty in breathing, pneumonia, kidney failure and in many cases no symptoms appear.

Cause of pandemic

• Absence of vaccine: Currently, there is no specific vaccine available for this virus, due to which its spread can lead to the possibility of a pandemic.
• Lack of surveillance: Globally, monitoring of viruses present in bats and other wildlife is limited. This makes it difficult to detect new viruses.
• Possibility of mutation: The spike protein of HKUS-CoV-2 remains in a closed state, but small changes can make it infectious to humans.
• Type lineage 2: This is a type of HKUS-CoV-2 that has the ability to infect human cells.
• Spread among humans: If HKU5-CoV-2 also develops the ability to spread through air like COVID-19, then it can take the form of an epidemic.
• Travel and trade: Any virus can spread rapidly by going abroad during travel.