Dr. Ashish Jha says COVID‑19 likely originated from Wuhan lab

Former White House COVID‑19 response coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha told CNN that, based on information he reviewed while in the administration, the pandemic is more likely the result of an accidental laboratory leak in Wuhan than a natural animal‑to‑human spillover. He emphasized that the assessment is based on circumstantial evidence and that no definitive public proof exists, calling for greater transparency and accountability from Chinese authorities.

Jha’s remarks echo earlier private doubts expressed by Dr. Anthony Fauci, whose diary entries released by Senator Rand Paul showed he had considered a lab‑origin scenario as early as January 2020. Both statements have revived debate over the virus’s origins and raised questions about how early U.S. health officials evaluated the pandemic.

The comments have not settled the issue, but they highlight ongoing calls for Chinese officials to share data that could clarify the pandemic’s beginnings.