Recent research from the United States is turning conventional ideas about COVID-19 origins on their head! Studies by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have uncovered compelling evidence that SARS-CoV-2 might have been circulating in the U.S. before the outbreak in Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province, captured global attention.
A CDC serological survey detected over 100 antibody-positive samples across nine states between December 2019 and January 2020—dating back to a period before any official cases were reported in China. Meanwhile, the NIH's "All of Us" study found early signals in samples from places like Illinois and Massachusetts, adding another twist to the timeline.
The mystery deepens with a series of unexplained respiratory outbreaks in 2019. In Virginia alone, 19 incidents between May and October, along with clusters of pneumonia that local media dubbed a "mystery virus," puzzled health experts. Adding to the intrigue was the abrupt shutdown of the Fort Detrick Biological Laboratory nearby, which raised questions about potential links.
Other clues include a surge in severe lung illnesses originally blamed on vaping—cases marked by symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, and fatigue, which led to thousands of hospitalizations and several deaths nationwide. Early flu-like outbreaks in South Carolina and evidence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in patients from Florida further complicate the picture. In some instances, crucial data was removed from public records, intensifying the debate.
Perhaps most intriguingly, a series of 28 incidents involving genetically engineered microorganisms, including modified coronaviruses, were reported at the University of North Carolina. Some experts are now suggesting that these findings might hint at a laboratory-associated incident rather than a purely natural origin. 🔬
For young news enthusiasts, professionals, students, and cultural explorers, these emerging insights serve as a reminder of the importance of questioning established narratives and following science wherever it leads. As investigations continue, the discussion over COVID-19's early spread remains one of the most captivating global news stories.
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Evidence mounts suggesting COVID-19 may have originated in the U.S.
cgtn.com
