How did this all start? Surprisingly, much of this information is still up in the air. Scientists and virus hunters alike (yes, they're real) are still exploring different possibilities. However, this article is meant to de-bunk any far-fetched myths about the origins and provide as much information as I can. The most widespread myth about this virus is that it is a Chinese man-made virus that was created for the purposes of biological warfare. As Richard Ebright and other scientists around the world concluded, "there's absolutely nothing in the genome sequence of this virus that indicates the virus was engineered." That's not to say that this virus wasn't released on purpose, as I don't truly know that information. However, we cannot spread misinformation that this virus was a Chinese 'plot,' as this only engenders fear and conspiracies. There are three main theories about the true origins of this virus. First, it's believed that the virus originated in the wet markets of Wuhan, China. In these wet markets, wild and exotic animals are butchered and sold, and it is a natural breeding ground of bacteria. Specifically, it's believed that an infected pangolin spread the disease. This is the most popularly accepted theory. Dr. Simon Anthony, a professor at Columbia University, even believes that this is the "most simple, obvious and likely explanation," as to the origins of the virus. Second, some experts believe that the virus leaked from laboratories in Wuhan, near the wet markets. China's only bio safety level 4 super-laboratory, that worked with the Corona-virus is located in the Wuhan province, where the virus first spread. Lastly, some scientists believe that the virus spread through farmers. Farmers, especially in the Wuhan province, fertilize their plants using guano (bat feces), that they collect from crowded caves. Scientists believe that a farmer was infected with Corona-carrying feces and spread the virus around Wuhan. So what are the facts that scientists do agree on? Most scientists agree that the virus originated from animals and spread to humans, which is known as a zoonotic spillover. Also, the version of the virus that is currently wreaking havoc on the world is 96% identical to a bat Corona-virus, which leads scientists to believe that the virus originally came from bats. Why is finding the origin of this virus so important? This search for the virus' true beginnings is important because after the world slowly starts to recover, the virus could re-emerge with scientists still not full understanding it. Also, finding its origin would take scientists one step closer to developing a vaccine for the future. It's up to the media to discover the truth, not accept answers at face value. - Stephen L. Miller Sincerely, Sarah P.S - Go complete the survey on this article when you're done reading! Sources
4 Comments
lena
4/7/2020 05:41:15 pm
this was so informative and your blog is so nice 🥺🥺🥺 beautiful work
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Sarah
4/7/2020 06:01:35 pm
Thank you Lena!
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Elsa
4/7/2020 06:10:50 pm
Thank you for the information, I learned something new - great job!
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Roshini
10/3/2020 09:09:37 am
Wow this was one of the most informative blog posts about the virus that I’ve read before. This is so good Sarah and I’m so proud of you ❤️ Waiting for future posts :)
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AuthorMy name is Sarah Mathew and I was a junior in high school when this pandemic hit. I wanted to help my community in the best way I knew how: writing. Archives
December 2020
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