Abstract
Reanalysis of the epidemic curve from the initial cluster of cases with novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in December 2019 indicates substantial human-to-human transmission. It is possible that the common exposure history at a seafood market in Wuhan originated from the human-to-human transmission events within the market, and the early, strong emphasis that market exposure indicated animal-to-human transmission was potentially the result of observer bias. To support the hypothesis of zoonotic origin of 2019-nCoV stemming from the Huanan seafood market, the index case should have had exposure history related to the market and the virus should have been identified from animals sold at the market. As these requirements remain unmet, zoonotic spillover at the market must not be overemphasized.
Highlights
The clinical summary of the earliest cases of 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) infections in Wuhan, China was recently published [1], showing the majority of cases were exposed to the Huanan seafood market, which had wild animals, suggesting the possibility of zoonotic transmission in the market
This suggestion of zoonotic spillover was quoted by international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), and as a result early research focused on zoonotic rather than direct human-to-human transmission of 2019-nCoV
The index case had no exposure history related to the seafood market, indicating that Huanan seafood market-related zoonotic spillover may have been an overblown hypothesis
Summary
The clinical summary of the earliest cases of 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) infections in Wuhan, China was recently published [1], showing the majority of cases were exposed to the Huanan seafood market, which had wild animals, suggesting the possibility of zoonotic transmission in the market. This suggestion of zoonotic spillover was quoted by international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), and as a result early research focused on zoonotic rather than direct human-to-human transmission of 2019-nCoV. The index case had no exposure history related to the seafood market, indicating that Huanan seafood market-related zoonotic spillover may have been an overblown hypothesis.
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