The COVID-like HKU5 Virus Appears In China, These Are Symptoms To Watch Out For

Illustration of a new virus in China that looks like Covid (Photo: Freepik/Freepic)

JAKARTA - China is back in the spotlight after scientists discovered a new virus resembling COVID-19 in bats.

This virus is called HKU5-CoV-2 and is said to have a genetic resemblance to the COVID-19 virus and MERS, which raises concerns about the potential for a new pandemic.

Currently, there is no evidence that HKU5-CoV-2 can infect humans. However, researchers warn that this virus may require only a few mutations to be transmitted from animals to humans, especially if intermediate animals are involved in the chain of transmission.

Although there have been no cases of human infection, experts estimate symptoms that may arise can resemble respiratory tract infections caused by other coronaviruses.

These symptoms include fever, dry cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches, fatigue, sore throat, and the possibility of loss of smell and taste (such as COVID-19).

However, all of this is still an allegation based on the pattern of similar viruses, as there have been no reports of real cases of human HKU5-CoV-2 infection.

Professor Michael Letko of Washington State University revealed that the HKU5 virus has not been widely researched, but the latest findings show potential dangers.

"The HKU5 virus has not actually been widely studied before, but our study shows how this virus can infect cells," said Prof. Letko, quoted from the Business Today page.

"What we also found is that the HKU5 virus may only be one step away from the ability to transmit to humans," he continued.

Letko also explained that currently the virus has not been able to stick to human cells in laboratory tests. However, if this virus moves to other animals as intermediaries, there could be mutations that allow transmission to humans.

Although this news is worrying, experts remind the public not to panic. Dr. Mark Siegel of NYU Langone Health considered that the possibility of HKU5 being a pandemic like COVID-19 was very small.

"The COVID-19 pandemic is the worst in a century," says Dr. Siegel.

"But that doesn't mean it will happen again soon because of the bird flu virus, HKU5, or other viruses. Studies like this are a positive step so that we are better prepared," he added.

The discovery of the HKU5-CoV-2 virus is an important reminder that the threat of new infectious diseases still exists. Although it has not proven dangerous for humans, continued monitoring and research are still urgently needed to prevent potential outbreaks in the future.