Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

February 9, 2021

Emergence of an Early SARS-CoV-2 Epidemic in the United States

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[Pre-print, not peer-reviewed] Genome sequencing combined with epidemiological and mobility data suggest show that SARS-COV-2 was likely introduced in Louisiana from a single source via domestic travel and was being locally spread prior to the Mardi Gras celebrations in February 2020. However, further evidence suggests that Mardi Gras was likely a superspreading event, based on the unusual lack of genetic diversity of SARS-CoV-2, which was similar to cruise ship outbreaks, and the markedly increased infection rate in New Orleans immediately following the event.

Zeller et al. (Feb 8, 2021). Emergence of an Early SARS-CoV-2 Epidemic in the United States. Pre-print downloaded Feb 9 from https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.02.05.21251235