Initial Cluster of Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Infections in Wuhan, China Is Consistent with Substantial Human-to-Human Transmission
Open Access
- 10 February 2020
- journal article
- editorial
- Published by MDPI AG in Journal of Clinical Medicine
- Vol. 9 (2), 488
- https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9020488
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.Funding Information
- Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (JP18fk0108050)
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (17H04701, 17H05808, 18H04895 and 19H01074)
- Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (JPMJCR1413)
- Inamori Foundation (NA)
- Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (NA)
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