Linked transmission chains of imported SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.351 across mainland France, January 2021

Euro Surveill. 2021 Apr;26(13):2100333. doi: 10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2021.26.13.2100333.

Abstract

Two cases of confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection with the B.1.351 variant were reported in France in mid-January, 2020. These cases attended a gathering in Mozambique in mid-December 2020. Investigations led to the identification of five imported cases responsible for 14 transmission chains and a total 36 cases. Epidemiological characteristics seemed comparable to those described before the emergence of the South African variant B.1.351. The lack of tertiary transmission outside of the personal sphere suggests that distancing and barrier measures were effective.

Keywords: COVID-19; Cluster; Epidemiology; Incubation; SARS-CoV-2 variants 20H/501Y.V2.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Black People
  • COVID-19 / diagnosis*
  • COVID-19 / epidemiology
  • COVID-19 / transmission
  • COVID-19 / virology*
  • COVID-19 Nucleic Acid Testing
  • Child
  • Communicable Diseases, Imported
  • Female
  • France / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mozambique / ethnology
  • SARS-CoV-2 / genetics*
  • SARS-CoV-2 / isolation & purification
  • Travel*
  • Young Adult