New Study Links COVID-19 Origin to Wuhan Market Animals with 800 Surface Samples

Sep 20, 2024, 12:03 AM

A new study published in the journal Cell provides fresh evidence supporting the theory that the COVID-19 pandemic originated from infected animals sold at the Huanan Seafood Market in Wuhan, China, in late 2019. The study is based on the analysis of over 800 surface samples collected from wildlife stalls in the market. The genetic evidence suggests that the virus likely spilled over from animals to humans, with raccoon dogs, civet cats, and bamboo rats identified as potential carriers. This new analysis contradicts previous claims made by the same authors in a 2022 Science paper, which had different conclusions regarding the origins of the pandemic. The study highlights Lineage A and Lineage B as key factors in understanding the virus's spread. Samples were collected in January 2020. The study aims to address some of the controversies surrounding the origins of COVID-19 and provides a clearer understanding of how the virus may have spread to humans.