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Japanese scientists from the University of Tokyo have discovered a new strain of coronavirus in the dung of cave bats. According to the researchers, the new type is strikingly similar to the strain that causes COVID-19.
A team of scientists found the pathogen in the feces of small horseshoe bats in the wilds of Japan seven years ago. A new investigation has found that it is strikingly similar to SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus strain that causes COVID-19.
The genetic makeup of the new virus is 81.5% consistent with SARS-CoV-2 and experts say it is the first time that a pathogen similar to the one responsible for the current pandemic has been found in Japan.
Coronaviruses that move from animals to humans have been responsible for a number of diseases, including Covid-19, SARS, MERS, and some versions of the common cold. Thankfully, scientists say the new virus doesn’t infect humans, although further investigation is needed.
“Only a small number of coronaviruses are thought to be dangerous, but there are undeniable species that infect humans in Japan,” explained Professor Shin Murakami. “We will investigate wild animals and promptly investigate the real situation. We have to understand it. “
This isn’t the first time a SARS-CoV-2-like coronavirus has been found. Disease-hunting scientists in China have found coronaviruses match 95 percent genetic with the strain that has caused over 1.2 million deaths worldwide, according to official statistics.
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