Why is finding "patient zero" in an pandemic so important?

Where did it come from? Where did it go? It came from patient zero.
And reasons to know why include:
  1. How did they obtain the virus?
  2. Who have they been in contact with?
As of the 21st of June there is no reason to know who patient zero has been in contact with. But for point number 1, it seems abundantly clear that 'fake news' and conspiracy theories have taken the reins amid the Corona Virus pandemic. 

What is the origin of the Corona Virus? Before we answer that question, it is best to reflect on history. "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." - George Santayana.

The source of the disease Ebola was unclear for many years. Patient Zero allowed for the identification of the location of patient 0 and subsequently the animals they were in contact with.

If animals were suspected as the source of the virus they could be genetically tested and evaluated. If identified as the source, then available it can be public information for public health and safety.  

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