This was written in a 2016 book on Coronaviruses.
"Coronaviruses have made a remarkable career. Originally recognized
as viral pathogens of veterinary importance but little medical (i.e., human)
relevance, the appearance of SARS-CoV causing a worldwide epidemic
with a large number of fatalities has changed everything. In 2003, the virus
emerged in Chinese animal markets to circle the world in just a few weeks,
teaching us important new lessons on perceived “differences” between animal
and human pathogens. Just in case someone did not get the message,
MERS-CoV repeated the coronavirus wake-up call 10 years later, providing
yet another example for how easily animal viruses may be transmitted and
adapt to new hosts including humans. Often, the tricks and strategies that
viruses evolved to propagate in specific animal hosts may only need some
fine-tuning (if at all) to enter the wide world of human crowds, air travel,
and camel races. Here, we will summarize the insights gathered so far on
an important aspect of virulence and host adaptation, the interactions of
SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV with antiviral interferon (IFN) responses of
human cells"
The Chinese really should implement better hygiene regulations. This has happened twice now.
