Archive · 28 Jun 2025
WHO Experts Unable to Confirm COVID-19 Origin After Probe
A group of scientists from the World Health Organization (WHO) has been trying to figure out where COVID-19 came from for over three years.
They looked at lots of information but still don't have a clear answer.
The scientists couldn't get all the data they needed, so they don't know if the virus came from a lab or not.
Most likely, the virus jumped from animals to humans.
The scientists say it's super important to keep trying to find out how the virus started, because it caused a lot of problems, like many deaths and hurting the economy.
WHO experts concluded after a three-year probe that the origin of COVID-19 remains uncertain.
The expert group couldn't get needed data to assess the lab accident hypothesis.
Most data supports the theory the virus jumped from animals to humans.
The group did not reach a consensus; some members removed their names from the report.
Over 20 million people died, and the global economy lost $10 trillion due to COVID-19.
- Who
- A WHO expert group investigated the origins of COVID-19.
- What
- WHO experts' investigation into the origins of COVID-19 concluded with uncertain results.
- When
- The final report was released on Friday, after over three years of investigation.
- Where
- The investigation focused on the origins of the virus, primarily in China and globally.
- Why
- To determine how the COVID-19 pandemic started and to understand the virus's origins.
Lab Leak Theory Supporters
Animal Origin Theory Supporters
Origin of the Virus
Lab Leak Theory Supporters
The virus originated from a lab accident.
Animal Origin Theory Supporters
The virus originated from animals.
- Lead Agency
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- Investigation Duration
- Over three years
- Conclusion
- Uncertain origin of COVID-19
- Primary Hypothesis
- Animal-to-human transmission
- Data Availability
- Insufficient to evaluate lab accident hypothesis
- Economic Impact
- $10 trillion lost from global economy
- Death toll
- At least 20 million