New Delhi: China’s Shi Zhengli who is known for her extensive research on viruses originating from animals issued a warning against another epidemic outbreak that can be compared with Covid-19, which can also cause consequences like SARS-COV-2.
The renowned Chinese virologist famously known as “batwoman” alarmed that the global leaders should prepare themselves already and start making efforts to contain the spread if the situation comes.
This statement is based on her expertise. Shi Zhengli has conducted extensive research in the field of zoonotic viruses, especially from bats to humans, earning her the nickname China’s Batwoman.
In a paper that is co-authored with colleagues, the China’s Batwoman stressed that there are huge chances that another coronavirus is going to emerge in the future.
Coronavirus had caused major epidemics such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003 and the Covid-19 pandemic.
Highly Risky
To examine their potential for spillover into human populations, the virologist affiliated with China’s Wuhan laboratory conducted an assessment of 40 different coronavirus species.
The result was terrifying with half of these species categorized as “highly risky.” As per the information, six species among these had caused diseases in humans already. However, three had infected other animal species, suggested evidence.
The research paper conducted by the China’s top virologists concluded that there are high chances of “future disease emergence,” which is near. It cautioned the world to start preparations already to fight any outbreak that may occur due to new variations.
Controversy Around Shi Zhengli’s Work
Shi Zhengli’s work has caused much controversy, with suspicions, especially from some US politicians, that Covid-19 originated from a potential laboratory leak at the Institute of Virology study in Wuhan.
The laboratory leak theory remains controversial, with many scientists supporting the hypothesis that the virus likely originated in animals, perhaps bats, before being transmitted to humans via an intermediate host. .