According to a new study, the Chinese lab suspected of leaking Covid-19 might also have been responsible for another dangerous virus outbreak. This virus is a rare strain of polio that appeared in 2014.
Here’s what happened: In 2014, a four-year-old boy in China’s Anhui province got sick with an unusual type of polio, named WIV14. Researchers from France’s Pasteur Institute have now found that this polio strain is 99% identical to a type of polio stored at the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) around the same time.
The Wuhan Institute is already known for its ties to Covid-19, and now scientists are investigating whether WIV14 could have accidentally leaked from this lab. The Pasteur Institute’s researchers suggest that WIV14 could have come from a polio strain kept at WIV, which is 200 miles away from where the boy was infected.
What’s the Connection?
Researchers found that the WIV14 strain is very similar to an old polio strain used in vaccines and labs. This raises a troubling question: Could this strain have accidentally escaped from WIV?
The Wuhan lab has faced criticism for its safety practices, and if it turns out that WIV14 did come from there, it would highlight serious problems with how such labs handle dangerous viruses. The lab’s proximity to Anhui and its reputation for safety issues add weight to this theory.
Why This Matters
Polio, a virus that once caused widespread paralysis and death, has been largely eradicated thanks to vaccines. However, recent years have seen a troubling increase in polio cases in some conflict zones. The WIV14 strain, if it indeed leaked from the lab, could have been a key factor in this.
The Pasteur Institute’s study also points out that the WIV14 polio strain is very different from other known strains, making the lab leak theory more plausible. This could mean that the Wuhan Institute’s problems with safety might have led to this new outbreak.
What Experts Say
Experts argue that whether WIV14 came from the Wuhan lab or another source, the important takeaway is the need for stricter controls on labs handling dangerous viruses. Dr. Richard Ebright, a prominent biologist, stresses that the findings show a critical need for better safety and oversight to prevent such incidents in the future.
Conclusion
The new research raises serious questions about the safety of virus research and highlights the urgent need for improved regulations. If true, this discovery not only impacts how we view the Wuhan Institute but also underscores the risks associated with handling dangerous pathogens.
