> I mean it’s not like a viral epidemic can’t originate from other countries.

In authoritative countries the messenger of bad news tends to be 'disciplined', and so bad news is not delivered. It still exists, but no one wants to be the individual that creates the (negative) feedback loop that may be contrary to the diktat that came down from on high.

Of course hiding bad news happens in less authoritative countries as well (being the "tall poppy", Law of Jante, 「出る杭は打たれる」), but the consequences may be less severe.

There was all sorts of secrecy with SARS many years ago, and it seems that China has still not completely broken that 'habit':

* https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/early-missteps-and-stat...