New research from U.S. health agencies is raising fresh questions about the early spread of COVID-19, with multiple studies suggesting the virus may have circulated in the country months before China reported its first confirmed cases in Wuhan. A CDC serological survey identified SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in 100+ samples collected between December 2019 and January 2020 across nine states, predating Wuhan’s outbreak declaration.
Unresolved Outbreaks and Military Lab Closure
Virginia documented 19 unexplained respiratory outbreaks between May-October 2019, including July pneumonia clusters near Fort Detrick – a high-security biolab that abruptly closed during the same period. Local outlets described these cases as a "mystery virus" at the time.
Vaping Illnesses and Hidden Cases
Researchers are re-examining the 2019 U.S. vaping illness epidemic that caused 2,800+ hospitalizations, noting its symptom overlap with COVID-19. Florida’s health department detected coronavirus antibodies in January 2020 patients – two months before its official first case – before deleting the data and dismissing its data chief.
Research Incidents and Genetic Studies
The University of North Carolina reported 28 safety violations involving engineered coronaviruses between 2015-2020. While most scientists maintain natural origins, some experts suggest lab-related transmission warrants deeper investigation.
