Has the COVID-19 virus been circulating unnoticed in the population for a long time?

There is evidence that the COVID-19 virus may have circulated in the human population earlier than originally thought, although the exact timing and duration of this early circulation are still under investigation.

COVID-19 was first officially recognized in Wuhan, China, in late 2019. The disease was quickly recognized as a novel and contagious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. There are retrospective studies that suggest SARS-CoV-2 may have been present in the population before December 2019. For example, researchers have examined blood samples from before the official outbreak and in some cases have discovered SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. These findings may indicate earlier circulation of the virus.

Genetic studies of the virus have shown that the SARS-CoV-2 virus was likely circulating for some time before it became widespread. Variations and mutations in the virus suggest an evolutionary history that may date back further than the first observations in Wuhan.

Cases of COVID-19-like symptoms have been reported in countries outside China before the global outbreak, but they were only later recognized and confirmed as COVID-19 through retrospective investigation and analysis. The virus can spread through asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic carriers, making it difficult to detect the spread quickly. This may contribute to subtle but widespread circulation.

Source: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/origins-of-the-virus

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2022-12-09 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024