Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

April 29, 2021

Linked Clusters of SARS-CoV-2 Variant B.1.351 — Maryland, January–February 2021

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  • A contact tracing investigation in January 2021 initiated after a Maryland resident was confirmed to have SARS-CoV-2 infection with the B.1.351 variant, first described in South Africa, identified two clusters comprised of 17 total patients not linked to travel. Sequencing of samples from the index case and three other patients from both clusters confirmed B.1.351 infection. Symptomatic infection occurred in two partially vaccinated patients, including the index case, and in one patient with confirmed prior infection 5 months ago (possible reinfection). Two patients were hospitalized and one died.

Feder et al. (Apr 30, 2021). Linked Clusters of SARS-CoV-2 Variant B.1.351 — Maryland, January–February 2021. MMWR. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7017a5