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Earlier Origins Hypothesis
This earlier origins hypothesis article is a branch from the SARS-CoV-2 Origins page.
Illnesses Unexplained
In 2019, an illness first termed VAPI (changed to EVALI) was noted in the U.S., and was blamed on vaping and e-cigarettes. The illness shares symptomatic features with COVID-19, and resulting hospitalizations formed an ordinary viral infection curve.1)
Wastewater Reports
Sewage samples from Barcelona, Spain from May, 2019.4)
Antibody Studies
Multiple studies have found SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in pre-pandemic serums in multiple nations.
In a study published in February, 2021, scientists found IgG neutralizing antibodies in serums collected in France from November, 2019, signaling a latest possible outbreak date in France.5)
In a preprint posted on November 13, 2021, scientists note SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in samples as far back as September 3, 2019. There were no samples tested prior to September, 2019, so it is unclear how far back the presence of antibodies might go. These patients were scattered in cities around Italy.6)
1)
March, 2020 | Rossana Segreto | preprint | Is SARS-CoV-2 the causative agent of EVALI cases prior to the Covid-19 pandemic? | https://www.researchgate.net/publication/359231017_Is_SARS-CoV-2_the_causative_agent_of_EVALI_cases_prior_to_the_Covid-19_pandemic
2)
July 17, 2019 | NBC Washington | Cause of Respiratory Illness Still Unknown After Dozens Sickened at Virginia Retirement Community
3)
February 11, 2022 | The Requestor | Is Wuhan a Red Herring? Addendum
4)
June 13, 2020 | Gemma Chavarria-Miro et al | preprint | Sentinel surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater anticipates the occurrence of COVID-19 cases | doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.06.13.20129627
5)
February 6, 2021 | Carrat et al | European Journal of Epidemiology | Evidence of early circulation of SARS-CoV-2 in France: findings from the population-based “CONSTANCES” cohort | DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10654-020-00716-2
6)
September 13, 2021 | Apolone et al | preprint | Unexpected detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the prepandemic period in Italy | https://doi.org/10.25384/SAGE.c.5206852.v1