"COVID19 developed in 1 (ONE) area and has spread to over 182 COUNTRIES in less than 3 months..."
So the "flu" developed simultaneously all over the world? It spread just like this virus does, but it's been around for much longer. However, the "flu" is actually comprised of several different corona viruses, which is why the "flu" shot doesn't necessarily keep you from becoming ill.
As to when it first appeared...I personally know two people who showed all the symptoms of this virus back in December/January, one of whom was me. This was much different that the normal "flu" that I've had in the past. Severe upper respiratory congestion, fever, fatigue, dry coughing. It hung on for about 2 weeks. I finally went to my physician and was checked for "flu" and pneumonia. Negative for both. I never really felt awful, just coughed and felt very tired. And since we're old, we kept all the kids out of the house, and I went no where until I felt better. So I'm convinced this virus has been in the US, and elsewhere too probably, for a while. That may explain why there is this "amazingly rapid spread".
Improper grammar edited: "which" to "whom"