All the existing evidence so far shows that the virus originates from animals in nature and is not artificially manufactured or synthesized. Many researchers have studied the genome characteristics of the virus and found that the evidence does not support the claim that the virus originated in the laboratory. For more information on the source of the virus, please refer to the "WHO Daily Situation Report" (English) on April 23.
During the WHO-China Joint Mission on COVID-19, WHO and China jointly identified a series of priority research areas to fill the knowledge gap of coronavirus disease in 2019, among which This includes exploring the animal source of 2019 coronavirus disease. WHO was informed that China has carried out or plans to conduct a number of studies to explore the source of the epidemic, including research on patients with symptoms in Wuhan and surrounding areas at the end of 2019, environmental sampling of markets and farms in areas where human infections were first found, and these Detailed records of the sources and types of wild animals and farmed animals on the market.
The results of the above studies will be crucial for preventing similar outbreaks. China also has the clinical, epidemiological and laboratory capabilities to carry out the above studies.
WHO is not currently involved in China-related research work, but is interested and willing to participate in research on animal origins with international partners at the invitation of the Chinese government.
Post time: Jul-25-2022