In December 2019, health officials in Wuhan, a city in Hubei province, China, reported a cluster of pneumonia cases of unknown origin. Among these cases was a patient who showed symptoms consistent with pneumonia and had recently visited the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market. This market became a focal point for investigations due to its connection to various cases. As health authorities began to delve into the mystery behind these infections, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention alerted the World Health Organization, initiating a global response.

By December 31, 2019, Chinese authorities had shared information with the WHO about these pneumonia cases, marking a pivotal moment in uncovering what would later be identified as COVID-19. Initial tests did not reveal a causative agent, but samples subjected to genetic sequencing revealed a novel coronavirus, subsequently labeled SARS-CoV-2. The announcement of this novel virus led to a series of containment measures in Wuhan and surrounding areas, as the potential for human-to-human transmission became increasingly evident.

As weeks progressed, the virus spread beyond Wuhan, raising alarm globally. The early acknowledgment of the virus fragmented the normal trading activities in and around the affected regions and ushered in protocols aimed at preventing wider contagion. Hospitals faced surging patient numbers while health professionals scrambled to manage resources. This moment marked the starting point of what would evolve into a global pandemic, drastically altering the landscape of health, travel, and economies worldwide.