A new coronavirus similar to COVID-19 has been identified in bats in China. This was reported today, February 21, by the “South China Morning Post” here.
According to the publication, the virus is a new generation of the HKU5 coronavirus, identified in a species of bats known as the Japanese pipistrelle in Hong Kong. It is noted that the virus isolated from bat samples could be infectious to humans.
“The risk of bat merbecoviruses spreading directly to humans or through intermediate hosts is high,” the report states.
It is specified that the virus is not currently expected to spread, but “more comprehensive research” is needed.
