I received death threats three times in 26 years, top Hong Kong microbiologist Yuen Kwok-yung says, calls for vigilance against future pandemics

A top Hong Kong microbiologist has revealed he received life-threatening messages three times over the past 26 years while studying outbreaks in the city and mainland China, also warning the world would pay a “hefty price” if it failed to prepare for other pandemics.

Professor Yuen Kwok-yung, chair of infectious diseases at the University of Hong Kong, on Thursday said he had received the threats after repeatedly calling for a ban on the sale of live animals at wet markets.