Health experts are urging the Philippine government to strengthen surveillance efforts on a newly discovered bat virus that researchers from the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China have identified.
According to Dr. Maricar Limpin, immediate past president of the Philippine College of Physicians, the virus, known as HKU5-CoV-2, shares similarities with SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic.
Limpin emphasized the importance of early monitoring and preventive measures to protect the country’s borders from potential threats.
“By acting early, the government can prevent future outbreaks and safeguard public health,” she said.
Despite concerns, Limpin reassured the public that there have been no recorded human cases of the virus so far. Additionally, she noted that HKU5-CoV-2 has a lower chance of sparking a pandemic compared to COVID-19.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation while urging the public to remain calm and vigilant.
