New Coronavirus Detected In China Wuhan   Lab May Trigger Another Pandemic: CDC Says   No Immediate Threat to Humans

China New Coronavirus News: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that the newly detected bat coronavirus at China Wuhan lab, does not pose any immediate threat to public health. Addressing the media, the agency clarified that there is no evidence of human infections and no immediate cause for concern.

A recently published study, in the journal Cell, stated that a new bat coronavirus has been detected in the bats --- the most concerning part about this new virus is that it utilizes the same cell receptor as SARS-CoV-2 -- the virus responsible for the deadly COVID-19 waves that wreak havoc globally back in 2019. The study also revealed that the virus named HKU5-CoV-2 -- shares similarities with the strain that triggered the global pandemic in 2020. However, scientists have emphasized that a resemblance to SARS-CoV-2 does not necessarily mean it will pose a similar threat to humans.

The study was conducted by scientists at China's Wuhan Institute of Virology -- the lab that was in the news during the deadly COVID waves. According to the research, the newly discovered bat coronavirus may have the potential for animal-to-human transmission. However, the study has also stated that there is no cause for immediate worry. Significantly, the study also revealed that the virus does not infect human cells as efficiently as SARS-CoV-2, thereby lowering the chances of a widespread outbreak.

Taking cognizance of the situation and to address queries about the newly detected virus' potential to trigger a new pandemic, the CDC said, "There is no immediate cause of worry due to the newly detected bat virus in China."

HKU5-CoV-2 Bat Coronavirus: What We Know About The New Virus?

The virus was discovered during research aimed at understanding zoonotic diseases illnesses that jump from animals to humans. Conducted by scientists at China's Wuhan Institute of Virology, the study highlights the importance of tracking coronaviruses in bats, which are known reservoirs for such viruses. Here is what we know about the new Coronavirus, so far:

1. The research suggests that the virus could potentially be transmitted from animals to humans. However, more extensive testing is required to assess the real risk.
2. Notably, the study revealed that HKU5-CoV-2 does not infect human cells as efficiently as SARS-CoV-2, which significantly reduces the likelihood of a major outbreak.
3. Preliminary data suggest the virus has some ability to evade immune responses, warranting closer monitoring.
4. The HKU5-CoV-2 virus shares genetic components with other coronaviruses previously linked to human infections.

The identification of HKU5-CoV-2 in a Wuhan lab underscores the importance of continuous global surveillance and scientific research. Although the virus shows some immune evasion properties, it currently lacks the ability to infect humans effectively, according to the CDC and other health experts.