The findings offer insight into the origin of the virus. It also gives details on the researchers’ reasonings behind their conclusions.
What We Know:
- In a joint study conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Chinese scientists, it has been discovered that COVID-19 was most likely transmitted from bats to humans through another animal. The study’s report also says that it is “extremely unlikely” for a lab leak to have caused the pandemic. The entire document will become available on Tuesday.
- The researchers detailed the most likely scenarios for the spread of the virus. They stated that the intermediate host hypothesis was “likely to very likely.” Direct transmission from bats to humans is a “possible-to-likely pathway.” However, it does not explain how the coronavirus first latched onto humans. NBC News states that identifying the source of a virus may take years or decades. Additionally, The Guardian states that Dutch virologist Marion Koopmans and team member tweeted the research left “not everything answered,” but was a “good start.”
- The writing recommends that additional research for these theories will need to be done. They advise experts to do retroactive studies on the earliest known cases linked to a Wuhan seafood market. The WHO states that despite Wuhan having the first reported cluster of human cases, the organization is not sure that it was the spread’s initial source.
- The researchers proposed no more investigations on the lab leak theory. This belief became popular with former U.S. President Donald Trump, and his administration promoted it.
- Officials are closely observing the text. This is because uncovering the origins of the virus will help prevent other pandemics. White House press secretary Jen Psaki informed the press that experts from seven U.S. government organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institute of Health, and the Department of Homeland Security would be reviewing the research “intensively and quickly.” Dr. Anthony Fauci also said he would like to view the report’s raw information before affirming its credibility.
Scientists arrived in China on January 14, more than a year after the first cases arose. The study was initially controversial due to publication setbacks and diplomatic debates about getting experts to Wuhan. Regardless, the document is a start to unearthing the disease’s roots and completely controlling it worldwide.
