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

Sep 19, 2024, 06:52 PM

A new study published in 'Cell' on Thursday has provided substantial evidence supporting the theory that COVID-19 originated from infected animals at a Chinese market in late 2019. The study, which involved genetic analysis of 800 surface samples from Wuhan's Huanan Seafood Market, suggests that the pandemic likely began with Lineage A of the virus, although early market cases were all Lineage B. Genetic evidence indicates a natural spillover from animals sold in the market, with raccoon dog DNA found among the samples. This new analysis directly refutes the authors' previous claims made in 2022 and aims to clarify the origins of the pandemic by linking the virus to the wildlife trade at the market.