Thailand's government has moved to calm public concerns after the discovery of HKU5-CoV-2, a new coronavirus variant found in bats. Deputy government spokesman Anukool Pruksanusak confirmed that while the virus shares similarities with SARS-CoV-2, it has not infected any humans.
The virus, identified by Chinese researchers including renowned virologist Shi Zhengli at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, belongs to the Merbecovirus subgenus - the same family as MERS. While it can theoretically bind to human ACE2 receptors like SARS-CoV-2, there's no evidence of transmission to humans.
Thailand's disease surveillance network, comprising the Department of Disease Control, Department of Medical Sciences, and university researchers, remains vigilant in monitoring potential viral threats. Officials stress that HKU5-CoV-2 is a variant within an existing viral family rather than a new strain or mutation.
The discovery has attracted scientific attention due to its structural similarities with SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind the COVID-19 pandemic. However, authorities maintain there is no cause for public alarm, emphasizing that Thailand's robust health monitoring systems are well-equipped to track and respond to any potential viral outbreaks.
