COVID-19 resurgence: New variant found in China is just 'small mutation' away from causing a pandemic again, warn scientists

Amid the fresh spike in COVID-19 cases across Southeast Asian countries, including Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, and India, American researchers suspect that a new COVID-19 variant called HKU5-CoV-2, discovered in China, could lead to another pandemic.

Scientists have warned that the new HKU5-CoV-2 virus is just a 'small mutation' away from becoming a highly infectious variant. This is suspected to cause an outbreak among human beings.

According to the Daily Mail, the pathogen detected in the virus is closely linked to MERS, which is considered to be a lethal virus that can kill up to a third of its affected population.

What is the HKU5 variant of COVID-19?

During the research conducted in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, the HKU5 variant was found in bats in a Chinese lab. A study from Washington State University recorded the unique pathogens interacting with human cells.

The co-leader of the study, Professor Michael Letko, confirmed that the viruses are infectious among human cells. The study further revealed that a small change in the virus HKU5's spike protein can potentially blind the ACE2 cells in the human body.

? BREAKING: A new, dangerous coronavirus strain, HKU5-CoV-2, found in Chinese bats could spark the next pandemic, scientists warn. It uses the same human cell entry as COVID-19. Are we prepared for another global health crisis? #Coronavirus #GlobalHealth #PandemicThreat pic.twitter.com/nIDZPspSfI

¡ª Global News Wire (@Global_NewsWire) June 5, 2025

This virus is commonly found in the throats, mouths, and noses, which act as receptors for coronavirus.

How lethal is the HKU5-CoV-2 strain of COVID-19?

The results of the study noted that the HKU5-CoV-2 strain only spreads in bats; however, the scientists fear that this can be a major cause of concern for further lethal spread.

As per the scientists, the 'pseudo-viruses' were created with specific gene editing to test various types of cells and how they react to them. Not only this, but some bats carrying ACE2 were also tested along with this.

It also showed little response in human cells unless the virus carried specific mutations. However, the major concern is raised by the possibility of the HKU5 variant reaching an intermediate animal stage.

COVID-19 resurgence: India notices a five-fold increase in cases | Credit: PTI

Humid conditions are the breeding ground for HKU5 variants

According to the findings, the virus is susceptible to wetness and humidity, which are the breeding grounds for the mutation of the HKU5-CoV-2 virus, which serves as an international host of transmission from animals to human beings.

However, the resemblance to the highly contagious Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is the main source of concern for the scientists. Although some variants did attach to human ACE2 cells, researchers are still examining the mutation pattern and its likelihood of infecting human beings.

Symptoms of HKU5-CoV-2

There are no confirmed cases of HKU5-CoV-2 variants in human beings so far; hence, its symptoms are unknown, but since the virus belongs to the same subgenus as MERS and COVID-19, it may cause similar respiratory symptoms:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Body aches