Missouri on Tuesday became the first US state to sue the Chinese government over its handling of the coronavirus, saying that China's response to the outbreak that originated in Wuhan city led to devastating economic losses in the state, Reuters reports.

The civil lawsuit, filed in federal court by Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt, alleges negligence, among other claims. The complaint alleges Missouri and its residents have suffered possibly tens of billions of dollars in economic damages, and seeks cash compensation.

"The Chinese government lied to the world about the danger and contagious nature of COVID-19, silenced whistleblowers, and did little to stop the spread of the disease,” Schmitt, a Republican, said in a statement. “They must be held accountable for their actions."