While many scientists believe the virus likely originated naturally from animals, some argue that an accidental leak is possible. China initially dismissed the lab leak theory as a lie, but now a senior Chinese scientist acknowledges that the origin of the virus remains uncertain. The World Health Organization (WHO) mission to Wuhan ruled out a lab leak, favoring a natural origin based on past experiences with similar outbreaks.
However, following a review ordered by President Biden, two out of eight U.S. intelligence agencies now lean towards a lab leak theory with low to moderate confidence. The risks of lab work with dangerous pathogens are being reevaluated. Despite political biases, the search for the origins of COVID-19 continues, as it is crucial to understand where it came from.
Vocabulary
Ruled out: Exclude or eliminate as a possibility.
Emerged: Came into existence or became known.
Bias: Prejudice or inclination towards a particular perspective.
Definitively: Conclusively or decisively.
Traction: Increased support or acceptance.
Controversial: Causing disagreement or debate.
Mortality rate: The number of deaths in a specific population over a period of time.
Heavy-handed: Using excessive or forceful methods.