What are the origins of novel human infectious diseases like COVID-19?
Several of the earliest reported cases of COVID-19 were linked to a wet market in Wuhan city, China, which sold a range of fresh food produce, including wildlife. Although there is not enough evidence yet to say how the new coronavirus jumped from its original host (probably a bat) to humans, there have been previous examples of viruses originating in wild animals causing disease epidemics in people. Understanding the link between wild and domestic animals and COVID-19 is important for managing the current pandemic and future outbreaks of infectious diseases.
Milner-Gulland E.J., Coad L., Li Y., Malsch K., Khanyari M., Booth H. What are the origins of novel human infectious diseases like COVID-19? UKRI, 5 May 2020, https://coronavirusexplained.ukri.org/en/article/und0007.
Published: May 2020 | Categories: Opinions
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