Early introductions and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.7 in the United States.

TitleEarly introductions and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.7 in the United States.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2021
AuthorsAlpert T, Brito AF, Lasek-Nesselquist E, Rothman J, Valesano AL, MacKay MJ, Petrone ME, Breban MI, Watkins AE, Vogels CBF, Kalinich CC, Dellicour S, Russell A, Kelly JP, Shudt M, Plitnick J, Schneider E, Fitzsimmons WJ, Khullar G, Metti J, Dudley JT, Nash M, Beaubier N, Wang J, Liu C, Hui P, Muyombwe A, Downing R, Razeq J, Bart SM, Grills A, Morrison SM, Murphy S, Neal C, Laszlo E, Rennert H, Cushing M, Westblade L, Velu P, Craney A, Cong L, Peaper DR, Landry ML, Cook PW, Fauver JR, Mason CE, Lauring AS, St George K, MacCannell DR, Grubaugh ND
JournalCell
Volume184
Issue10
Pagination2595-2604.e13
Date Published2021 05 13
ISSN1097-4172
KeywordsCOVID-19, COVID-19 Testing, Female, Humans, Male, Models, Biological, SARS-CoV-2, United States
Abstract

The emergence and spread of SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.1.7, first detected in the United Kingdom, has become a global public health concern because of its increased transmissibility. Over 2,500 COVID-19 cases associated with this variant have been detected in the United States (US) since December 2020, but the extent of establishment is relatively unknown. Using travel, genomic, and diagnostic data, we highlight that the primary ports of entry for B.1.1.7 in the US were in New York, California, and Florida. Furthermore, we found evidence for many independent B.1.1.7 establishments starting in early December 2020, followed by interstate spread by the end of the month. Finally, we project that B.1.1.7 will be the dominant lineage in many states by mid- to late March. Thus, genomic surveillance for B.1.1.7 and other variants urgently needs to be enhanced to better inform the public health response.

DOI10.1016/j.cell.2021.03.061
Alternate JournalCell
PubMed ID33891875
PubMed Central IDPMC8018830
Grant ListTL1 TR001864 / TR / NCATS NIH HHS / United States
UL1 TR001863 / TR / NCATS NIH HHS / United States
Related Faculty: 
Hanna Rennert, Ph.D. Lars Westblade, Ph.D. Melissa Cushing, M.D. Priya Velu, M.D., Ph.D.

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