Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Abdullah Asiri affirmed that the latest discovery during studies carried out by the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Wuhan is not related to a new virus, and there is no room for concern in the short term. "Such studies contribute to understanding the nature of viruses and their interaction with the environment and living organisms, which enhances scientists' ability to predict future epidemics and take the necessary preventive measures," he said in a statement on his account on the X platform.

Dr. Asiri noted that Wuhan's association with the pandemic made this report a matter of interest to many, but the latest discovery relates to a strain of a group of coronaviruses discovered in bats since 2006. It was revealed that it is capable of linking to cellular receptors in the human respiratory system, and this implies that it is theoretically capable of infecting humans.

He pointed out that this discovery reflects the wide biological diversity of coronaviruses and their ability to adapt to a wide range of animals and humans, stressing that bats are the natural host for many of these viruses.

Dr. Asiri stressed that there is nothing worrisome in the short term. He also emphasized the importance of such studies in enhancing scientific understanding of viruses, which helps predict and prepare for future epidemics.

The ministry official's statement came in the context of the discovery by a Chinese team of a new bat coronavirus that carries the risk of animal-to-human transmission because it uses the same human receptor as the virus that causes COVID-19.