Abstract
Analysis of 772 complete SARS-CoV-2 genomes from early in the Boston area epidemic revealed numerous introductions of the virus, a small number of which led to most cases. The data revealed two superspreading events. One, in a skilled nursing facility, led to rapid transmission and significant mortality in this vulnerable population but little broader spread, while other introductions into the facility had little effect. The second, at an international business conference, produced sustained community transmission and was exported, resulting in extensive regional, national, and international spread. The two events also differed significantly in the genetic variation they generated, suggesting varying transmission dynamics in superspreading events. Our results show how genomic epidemiology can help understand the link between individual clusters and wider community spread.
Highlights
Vs non-MA) and regional model are shown. 95% confidence intervals are shown in parentheses and derived from subsampling the database of global strains (Materials and methods)
28 March to 15 April After 15 April
Summary
Vs non-MA) and regional model (regional geographic categories) are shown. 95% confidence intervals are shown in parentheses and derived from subsampling the database of global strains (Materials and methods).
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