The studies published this Tuesday, which conclude that the Covid-19 pandemic began in the Chinese market in Wuhan, are an element to add “to the scientific research” on the origins of the pandemic but not definitive proof, stressed this Wednesday the WHO.
“All hypotheses remain on the table,” explained Dr. Michael Ryan, in charge of emergency situations at the WHO during a press conference in Geneva.
“It’s a science detective story … every new piece of information adds to the big picture and every new piece of information, new science or new study may advance one hypothesis or another,” Dr Ryan acknowledged.
But he adds that “all hypotheses remain on the table until one is shown to be the correct explanation.”
Several theories on the table
The first of two studies published Tuesday in the prestigious journal Sciences is a geographic analysis that shows that the first cases detected in December 2019 were concentrated around the market. The second is a genomic analysis of the virus from the earliest cases, showing that it is highly unlikely that the virus had circulated widely in humans before November 2019.
The debate has been unleashed since the start of the pandemic among experts, who are still seeking almost three years later to solve the mystery of the origin of the virus. In addition to the side that defends the market thesis, there are also supporters of the theory of a leak from a laboratory in the city.
“More studies need to be done”
Dr. Maria van Kerkhove, in charge of coordinating the fight against Covid-19 within the WHO, stressed that much remains to be done.
“For us, what is really critical is to investigate more in China, to investigate more in Wuhan and in the Wuhan markets,” the doctor insisted, recalling in particular that the WHO would like to have access to serological samples from people who worked. in the markets, of those who were in contact with the animals susceptible to transmitting the disease, but also to have more information about the animals sold in these markets, the farms where they were raised, etc.
“We need to do more studies in China and elsewhere,” he insisted, while the Chinese authorities have so far only authorized a single joint investigation on the spot and have not given access to the serological data requested by the WHO.
“The goal is not only to know how this pandemic started, but to know how to better prepare for the future,” the doctor recalled.
Source: BFM TV
