New Study by Crits-Christoph Links COVID-19 Origin to Wuhan Market Animals with 800 Samples

Sep 20, 2024, 02:13 AM

A new study published in the journal 'Cell' by Crits-Christoph et al. has provided substantial evidence supporting the theory that the COVID-19 pandemic originated from animals sold at the Huanan Seafood Market in Wuhan, China. The research, which analyzed over 800 environmental samples collected from the market, identified genetic material from raccoon dogs and civet cats in stalls that tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. This study reinforces the hypothesis that the virus likely spilled over from animals to humans in late 2019, specifically around mid-November 2019. The findings contradict previous claims and suggest that the pandemic most likely began with Lineage A of the virus, although early cases were identified as Lineage B. Scientists involved in the study assert that it is now 'beyond reasonable doubt' that the pandemic started with infected animals sold at the market rather than from a laboratory leak. The researchers also indicated that there could have been two or more spillover events.