Covid-19 in Italy 2 months before first case

June 20, 2020 00:15

The coronavirus was present in two large Italian cities in December, more than two months before the first case was detected, a national health institute study of waste water has found.

That suggests the virus appeared in Italy around the same time it was first reported in China.

Researchers discovered genetic traces of Sars-CoV-2 -- as the virus is officially known -- in samples of waste water collected in Milan and Turin at the end of last year, and Bologna in January, the ISS institute said in a statement.

Italys first known native case was discovered mid-February.

The results help to understand the start of the circulation of the virus in Italy, the ISS said.

They also confirm the by-now consolidated international evidence as to the strategic function of sewer samples as an early detection tool, it added.

The results feed into an effort by scientists around the world to trace the viruss family tree.

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

Modi to move resolution to elect Birla as Speaker

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will move the motion today in the Lok Sabha to choose Om Birla as the Speaker of the lower house amid a tussle for the post with the opposition's Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA).

Isn't Rakul Just Too Cool?

The pretty lady's style is ekdum jhakaas.

Losses? Filing Nil ITR Is A Must

'Filing a nil ITR serves as a formal declaration to the tax authorities that your earnings fell below the taxable threshold in the given financial year, and you had no tax liability during that period.'

Why Promoters Are Cutting Stake In Companies

'This trend will continue as long as the bull run continues.'

Copa America: Messi frustrated but Argentina through

Argentina became the first side to book passage into the Copa America quarter-finals