Opinion | Could SARS-CoV-3 emerge in South Asia?
Summary
The article discusses the potential emergence of a novel coronavirus named SARS-CoV-3 in South Asia, highlighting zoonotic risks, viral evolution, and the importance of monitoring viral changes and identifying intermediate hosts.
Key Points
- SARS-CoV-1 emerged in 2002-2003 causing global illness and deaths, but no cases have been reported since 2004.
- SARS-CoV-2 caused the Covid-19 pandemic with significant human mortality, especially in South Asia during the Delta variant wave.
- Bats are primary reservoirs of coronaviruses, and increased human-bat interactions in South Asia raise concerns of new zoonotic diseases like SARS-CoV-3.
- Understanding intermediate animal hosts and monitoring viral evolution are critical to prevent and prepare for the possible emergence of SARS-CoV-3.
