Researchers at the University of North Carolina have discovered a new SARS-like virus called SHC014-CoV that can spread from bats to humans, according to the Daily Mail. There is currently no treatment or cure available for the virus, and its ability to cross species without mutation has prompted many to worry about a possible epidemic in the future.
"Studies have predicted the existence of nearly 5,000 coronaviruses in bat populations and some of these have the potential to emerge as human pathogens," said Ralph Baric, senior author of the study. "So this is not a situation of 'if' there will be an outbreak of one of these coronaviruses, but rather when and how prepared we'll be to address it."
SARS made its first jump from animals to humans back in 2002 and caused a worldwide outbreak that lead to approximately 8,000 cases and 800 deaths, according to Bioscience Technology. After numerous public health interventions, the virus was eventually controlled and is believed to have been extinct since 2004.
SHC014-CoV leads to symptoms very similar to the flu, but it can quickly accelerate and lead to dangerous symptoms such as compromised breathing and lead to the onset of a deadly form of pneumonia.
The findings come at an important time, as the U.S. government recently slowed down the development of vaccines and treatments for dangerous coronaviruses, something that has stimulated much debate in the field, according to Health.
The study was published in the Nov. 9 issue of Nature Medicine.
