As the world battles growing new coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that has killed over 14,500 people, a study that appeared 12 years back then claimed that the situation in China was a "time bomb" for a dangerous virus outbreak.
Published by the journal Clinical Microbiology Reviews in 2007, the researchers noted that the "presence of a large reservoir of SARS-CoV-like viruses in horseshoe bats, together with the culture of eating exotic mammals in southern China, is a time bomb".
The cause for concern was due to the culture of eating exotic mammals in southern China.
"The possibility of the reemergence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and other novel viruses from animals or laboratories and therefore the need for preparedness should not be ignored," warned the study.
Coronaviruses are well known to undergo genetic recombination, which may lead to new genotypes and outbreaks.
It's been 17 years since a respiratory virus called severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) appeared in China.
By the time the global SARS outbreak was contained, the virus spread to over 8,000 people worldwide and killed almost 800.
The new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 which causes the disease COVID-19, surpassed the 2003 SARS outbreak long back. It has killed over 14,500 people and infected over 2.40 lakh people globally, according to the latest data from John Hopkins University's Coronavirus resource Center.
Tripura closes all schools for 4 days due to heat wave conditions
With the state buffeted by a heat wave, the Tripura government on Wednesday declared a holiday in all schools for four days from Wednesday to provide respite to children.
All three units of EVMs have their own microcontroller, ECI tells SC
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday apprised the Supreme Court that all three units (i.e. ballot unit, control unit and VVPAT) of the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) have their own microcontroller.
Congress ready to set 'dangerous precedent' by implementing Inheritance Tax: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday slammed the Congress, saying that the party seeks to destroy the ordinary people of India economically and is about to set a "dangerous precedent" by implementing an 'Inheritance Tax' if voted to power.
PM Modi has lifted 400 million people out of poverty: JP Morgan CEO
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken 400 million (40 crore) people out of poverty and is doing an “unbelievable job” in India, Global banking giant JP Morgan Chase chief executive officer (CEO) Jamie Dimon has said.
India to become one of biggest chip hubs in next 5 years: Ashwini Vaishnaw
India has commissioned four semiconductor manufacturing units and in the next five years, the country will become one of the biggest semiconductor hubs in the world, Union Railways and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has said.
PM Modi highlights need for resilient infrastructure at 39-nation meet on natural disasters
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday emphasised the need to invest in resilient infrastructure as part of the strategy to minimise the damage from natural disasters that are on the rise across the world.
India calls for ‘gender-responsive arms control’ to prevent sexual violence in conflicts
To combat sexual violence in conflict situations, India has advocated a multifaceted approach which includes “gender-responsive arms control” that prevents the proliferation of weapons.
Pressing UNSC reforms, India highlights consensus in G20 with broader membership
Pressing the case for Security Council reforms, India has highlighted the consensus arrived at the more representative G20 Summit on issues that could not make it through the UN's highest decision-making body stuck in a "cold war" mode.