Discussion: Many Articles Exist On This Topic ✓ Solved

Discussion There Are Many Articles That Exist Regarding The Origin O

There are many articles that exist regarding the origin of SARS-CoV-2, as well as proper treatment (care) for those that test positive for the virus. In this discussion, I would like you all to identify and read one article that deals with the origin of the virus, and one that deals with treatment (vaccine trials, medicines, quarantine, etc.).

Consider the timeline of events and what we knew when. Take a position as to the veracity of the article for the origin. In 1-2 paragraphs, discuss the article and your support for or against the origin stated in the article.

Similarly, in a separate 1-2 paragraphs, summarize the findings in your treatment paper and provide your thoughts as to its benefits and detriments in addressing the outbreak. Be detailed and specific. Defend your responses with additional documents if needed.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

The origin of SARS-CoV-2 has been the subject of intense scientific investigation and debate. One prominent article that suggests a natural zoonotic origin posits that the virus originated in bats and was transmitted to humans through intermediate hosts, likely at wet markets in Wuhan, China. This hypothesis is supported by genetic analyses showing similarities between SARS-CoV-2 and known bat coronaviruses, as well as epidemiological data indicating a seafood market in Wuhan as an early outbreak site (Zhou et al., 2020). The scientific community largely supports this natural origin narrative, with extensive evidence pointing toward multiple spillover events from animals to humans. However, some alternative theories propose laboratory origins, asserting that the virus could have accidentally escaped from a research facility. These theories remain speculative and lack conclusive evidence, but they have gained traction in certain political and media circles. Based on the current scientific consensus, I support the natural zoonotic origin of SARS-CoV-2, as the genetic and epidemiological data align strongly with this hypothesis, even though the exact intermediate hosts remain unidentified.

Regarding treatment options, one significant article focuses on the development and efficacy of mRNA vaccines, such as those produced by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. These vaccines have demonstrated high efficacy in preventing severe COVID-19 illness and death, as evidenced by multiple clinical trials conducted globally (Polack et al., 2020; Baden et al., 2020). The rapid development and deployment of mRNA vaccines marked a pivotal advancement in pandemic response, providing a powerful tool for controlling virus transmission and reducing healthcare burdens. However, these vaccines also present challenges, including storage requirements that limit distribution in resource-limited settings, and the rare occurrence of adverse reactions such as myocarditis (Shimabukuro et al., 2021). Furthermore, vaccine hesitancy and misinformation can hinder immunization efforts, reducing overall population immunity. Overall, the benefits of mRNA vaccines—namely their high efficacy and rapid development—outweigh the detriments, especially when complemented with public health strategies like booster doses and equitable distribution. These vaccines have fundamentally transformed COVID-19 response efforts, though ongoing research is necessary to address emerging variants and optimize long-term protection.

References

  • Baden, L. R., El Sahly, H. M., Essink, B., et al. (2020). Efficacy and Safety of the mRNA-1273 SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine. The New England Journal of Medicine, 384(5), 403-416.
  • Polack, F. P., Thomas, S. J., Kitchin, N., et al. (2020). Safety and Efficacy of the BNT162b2 mRNA Covid-19 Vaccine. The New England Journal of Medicine, 383(27), 2603-2615.
  • Shimabukuro, T. T., Nguyen, M., Martin, D., et al. (2021). Reports of Myocarditis and Pericarditis After mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination: Updates from the CDC. JAMA, 326(4), 331-332.
  • Zhou, P., Yang, X. L., Wang, X. G., et al. (2020). A pneumonia outbreak associated with a new coronavirus of probable bat origin. Nature, 579(7798), 270-273.