Origins Unresolved: Tracing SARS-CoV-2’s Source

Where did SARS-CoV-2 come from? In this episode of Microbial Mondays, we unpack the findings from the WHO’s Scientific Advisory Group for the Origins of Novel Pathogens (SAGO)’s recent report. We revisit key theories, from a natural spillover event involving bats or intermediate hosts, to the lab leak hypothesis—and discuss why neither can be dismissed outright. Join us as we explore what’s known, what’s missing, and why uncovering the virus’s origins matters for preventing future pandemics. More reading We covered this topic back in a blog series in 2021: Part 1: ​https://www.microbialmondays.com/post/lab-leaks-and-affinis-excrement-or-how-a-scientist-thinks ​Part 2: https://www.microbialmondays.com/post/where-did-the-virus-come-from-part-ii Read the SAGO report: https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/independent-assessment-of-the-origins-of-sars-cov-2-from-the-scientific-advisory-group-for-the-origins-of-novel-pathogens