May 29, 2020

The Emergence of SARS-CoV-2 in Europe and the US

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Transmission

• [pre-print, not peer reviewed] Contrary to earlier conclusions, based on phylogenetic analysis, Worobey et al. conclude that the first SARS-CoV-2 case identified in Washington State in January 2020 was not linked to outbreaks that occurred weeks later. Rather, the subsequent outbreak was due to a separate later importation from China. The authors speculate that the rapid public health response may have prevented an earlier outbreak. 

Worobey et al. (May 23, 2020). The Emergence of SARS-CoV-2 in Europe and the US. Preprint downloaded May 29 from. https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.05.21.109322