Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

October 2, 2020

Viral Genomes Reveal Patterns of the SARS-CoV-2 Outbreak in Washington State

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  • [Pre-print, not peer reviewed] The 614G viral variant of SARS-CoV-2 has been hypothesized to be more transmissible than other strains, but findings from Washington State indicate that the increasing dominance of 614G in the state is more likely due to mobility patterns and the effect of control measures rather than viral transmissibility factors. Sequencing of 3,940 SARS-CoV-2 viral genomes from Washington State identified an increase over time in the proportion of infections due to the viral variant 614G and multiple introductions of this variant into Washington State. At an individual level, the study found evidence of higher viral loads in patients infected with the 614G variant; however, there was no evidence that the 614G variant affected clinical severity or patient outcomes.

Mueller et al. (Sept 30, 2020). Viral Genomes Reveal Patterns of the SARS-CoV-2 Outbreak in Washington State. Pre-print downloaded Oct 2 from https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.09.30.20204230