New coronavirus strain discovered in bats living in Thailand cave
On Friday (8 May), a Thai health official revealed that a new strain of coronavirus has been detected in horseshoe bats living in an artificial cave in Chachoengsao Province.
Researchers studying the bats during a routine disease surveillance found that the new strain, called Clade B, is closely related to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that caused Covid-19.
It can bind to the human ACE2 receptor, which SARS-CoV-2 uses to enter the human body, Thaiger reported.
Source: Glen Fergus via Thai National Parks. For illustration purposes only.
No human infections so far
There is currently no human infection of Clade B detected in Thailand, said Dr Montien Kanasawasdi, Director-General of the Ministry of Public Health’s Department of Disease Control.
“Current disease surveillance has not found any human infections, and studies indicate that the virus has a significantly lower pathogenicity and transmissibility than Covid-19,” he explained.
Source: Claymoon on Canva. For illustration purposes only.
“Covid-19 vaccines are also effective in preventing more severe disease progression, the risk of an outbreak is low,” the director-general assured, according to Bangkok Business News.
Public advised to avoid contact with wild animals
To prevent animal-to-human viral infections, Dr Direk Khampaen, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Disease Control, advised the public to avoid contact with wild animals, especially bats.
This also includes staying away from animal faeces or damp areas that may be contaminated with animal secretions.
As an extra precaution, he also urged people to wash their hands frequently, eat cooked food, and use protective equipment such as masks or gloves when travelling or working in areas with a high bat population.
If they experience symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing after contact with animals or after being in a high-risk area, they must seek medical attention immediately.
Also read: What’s the Hantavirus & why have 2 S’poreans been quarantined in connection to it?
What’s the Hantavirus & why have 2 S’poreans been quarantined in connection to it?
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Featured image adapted from Thai National Parks, Claymoon on Canva. Both for illustration purposes only.
