Coronavirus belongs to the category of viral diseases, the causative agent of which is 2019-nCoV. The site of the first infection was a wholesale seafood market in the Chinese city of Wuhan.
How did you know that the coronavirus appeared there?
Local authorities in the city believe that the fish market in the city of Wuhan could become the epicenter of the virus. Representatives of the National Center for Disease Prevention and Control said that the wild animal market could be the cause of the disease, as wolf cubs, infected snakes, were sold here. In accordance with the results of genetic analysis, it was found that the genotype of the virus is related to bats, which were also sold on the market. Selling here:
- Barsukov;
- Kur;
- Bats;
- Crocodiles;
- Bobrov;
- Foxes;
- Oslov;
- Salamander;
- camels;
- Koala;
- pigs;
- Rats;
- Surkov;
- Sheep;
- dogs;
- Otter;
- Reindeer;
- Peacocks;
- poisonous snakes;
- Pheasants;
- rabbits;
- Porcupines.
Chinese cobras and multi-band kraits were sold on the market. Experts consider creeping as a possible source of infection.
Scientists from the Tropical Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences conducted a series of studies, according to which they concluded that the transmission of the virus in the People's Republic of China began in November-December 2019. Scientists say that a certain “patient zero” transmitted the virus. The massive spread of the virus was observed due to deplorable sanitary conditions in the market.
The researchers say the virus has spread through at least three routes after examining 93 coronavirus samples collected from 12 countries across four continents. In the samples of some patients, the H3 haplotype was detected, which appears in seafood markets.
What the market in Wuhan looked like before the virus outbreak
Social media already has photos of the Huanan food market, which is located in Wuhan. Virologists suggest that the first cases of infection were here. The market sells exotic animals and seafood in conditions of complete unsanitary conditions.
The photographs show that the walls and floors of the premises where meat and fish products are sold are very dirty. On the surface there is not only dirt, but also traces of blood and animal fat. The meat was sold on the street, so it was affected by solar radiation and precipitation. In such weather, there were wet live animals in the market.
All meat products were sold outdoors, which violates sanitary and hygienic standards. In addition, flies and other insects that are carriers of various viruses and bacteria could land on them.
There were excessively narrow lanes in the market. Kiosks were in unacceptable proximity to one another. Live cattle were sold along with slaughtered animals and seafood. If the meat of killed animals lost its appearance, then it was “reanimated” in front of passers-by.
Where is the market, how to find it on the map?
According to some estimates, Wuhan is ranked 7th in China and 42nd in the world among the largest cities. UN figures show that 9 million people live in Wuhan. The city authorities claim that the population is 11 million. The large size of the city and its developed economy caused rapid expansion to Asian countries and even to the United States of America.
In 2016, Wuhan Tianhe International Airport served 20 million people. Since then, the number of passengers has been systematically increasing. From Wuhan you can get to Dubai, London, Paris and other cities of different countries by direct flights. The city is located on the banks of the Yanzi River. This area has a high-tech and traditional industry, 52 universities, a large number of industrial zones.
The market in Wuhan covers 50,000 square meters. There are more than 1000 outlets here. This is the largest market not only in Wuhan, but throughout Central China. The address of the market is unknown for representatives of other countries.
What is happening there now?
After suspicions arose that the Wuhan market had become a source of infection, it was closed on January 1. This decision was made after the coronavirus was diagnosed among sellers and market visitors. At the moment, the object is being studied by experts and police, who are conducting their own investigation.
Investigators were able to establish that more than 112 species of various wild animals were sold at the market. Some of them were listed in the Red Book. On the territory of the market there were illegal shops in large numbers. There were live wild animals in the outlets, which were locked in small cages.
In accordance with the latest data, which was confirmed by the Chinese authorities, it was the market in Wuhan that could be the cause of the coronavirus infection. That is why disinfection is being carried out on its territory at the moment.
Coronavirus has an incubation period of 1-14 days. During this period, the coronavirus can be transmitted. That is why, after the first infections, many residents of Wuhan were quarantined in order to test the coronavirus. At that moment, the mayor of the city, Zhou Xianwang, said that 2,209 people were admitted to medical facilities with suspected coronavirus. Mer thought that the number of cases would increase by 1,000 people. But, coronavirus was detected in a larger number of residents of Wuhan.
The coronavirus epidemic caused panic not only among the residents of Wuhan, but throughout the country. Food is regularly brought into the closed city. People are panicking and buying non-perishable food and essentials in bulk. But, regular deliveries are established. Wuhan authorities are asking residents not to panic.
Coronavirus is a viral disease whose etiology is not well understood. In accordance with the studies carried out, it was concluded that the Wuhan seafood market became the source of the epidemic. Coronavirus is spreading rapidly, therefore it has been registered in dozens of countries around the world.