A new virus discovered by scientists bears striking similarities to COVID-19, raising concerns that a single “small step” could trigger another catastrophic global epidemic.

With the devastating toll COVID-19 took on millions of lives worldwide, it’s understandable that scientists and researchers are now more cautious about potential viral outbreaks.

While other potential pandemic scares have emerged in recent years, including warnings about a new virus similar to the coronavirus, none of these predictions have yet resulted in a widespread crisis.

However, recent warnings from prominent scientists suggest that Baba Vanga’s predictions may not be far off. A new virus, similar to COVID-19, has resurfaced in China. Researchers have identified a virus they’re calling HKU5-CoV-2, which, like COVID-19, was initially found in bats, according to the Daily Mail.

This virus belongs to the coronavirus family and shares significant similarities with MERS, which is known for its dangerously high human mortality rate. Scientists are concerned that it might be only a few steps away from being able to infect humans.

Fortunately, experiments using lab-created “pseudoviruses” have not shown any signs of the virus attaching to human cells without mutation. As a result, it poses little risk to humans in its current state.

The real concern is if HKU5 spreads from bats to another “intermediate” mammal, it could mutate and eventually evolve to infect human cells.

Professor Michael Letko from Washington State University stated, “HKU5 viruses in particular hadn’t been closely studied before, but our research shows how these viruses interact with cells. We also found that HKU5 may only be a small step away from being able to spill over into humans.”

While experts agree that a pandemic like COVID-19 is unlikely, they do note that HKU5 is “much less potent” than the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Mark Siegel of NYU Langone Health emphasized, “The COVID pandemic was the worst in a century, but that doesn’t mean another one is imminent from bird flu or this virus or any other. Research on bat-borne viruses like this is a step in the right direction.”