Experts warn new Chinese virus is ‘one step away’ from triggering new global pandemic

Scientists have issued a warning that a newly identified coronavirus strain, HKU5-CoV-2, may be just one mutation away from becoming transmissible to humans and potentially triggering another global pandemic.

The virus is not currently infectious to humans, but research conducted by a team at Washington State University suggests it’s very close to crossing that threshold.

Professor Michael Letko, a virologist who co-led the study, said: "HKU5 viruses may be only a small step away from being able to spill over into humans."

The virus is genetically related to Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), and the specific HKU5 strain studied was collected from bats in China.

Letko added: "These viruses are so closely related to MERS, so we have to be concerned if they ever infect humans. While there's no evidence they've crossed into people yet, the potential is there — and that makes them worth watching."

(QG - Source: The Daily Star - Picture : © Unsplash)