Official WHO announcements and publications

New Study Links COVID-19 Origins to Wuhan Market, Finds Raccoon Dog DNA

Sep 19, 2024, 06:52 PM

A new study published in 'Cell' provides fresh evidence supporting the theory that the COVID-19 pandemic originated from infected animals at the Huanan Seafood Market in Wuhan, China, in late 2019. The research, which analyzed 800 surface samples collected from wildlife stalls, suggests that humans first contracted the virus from animals sold at the market. This study aligns with previous findings that linked the pandemic's origin to a zoonotic spillover event. Genetic evidence from the report indicates that the pandemic most likely started with Lineage A, although early market cases were all Lineage B. The study has sparked controversy, with some scientists urging an investigation into its premises and conclusions. Notably, raccoon dog DNA was found among the samples.