November 2, 2020

Viral Genome Sequencing Places White House COVID-19 Outbreak into Phylogenetic Context

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Transmission

Keywords (Tags): transmission

[Pre-print, not peer-reviewed] Genomic sequencing indicated very close similarity between SARS-CoV-2 viruses isolated from two individuals who had separate exposures to the White House but did not share any other known exposures, indicating the White House events and/or personnel were the most likely source of both infections. While the authors conclude the White House was the most likely source for both infections, they could not rule out the possibility that the viral lineage may have been circulating more broadly in the Washington, DC area and that both individuals independently acquired infections from other sources.

Bedford et al. (Nov 1, 2020). Viral Genome Sequencing Places White House COVID-19 Outbreak into Phylogenetic Context. Pre-print downloaded Nov 2 from https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.10.31.20223925