[Survey on source of infection of the first local outbreak caused by SARS-CoV-2 Alpha variant in China].

ABSTRACT

Objective: To investigate the epidemiological characteristics and the chain of infection of a local outbreak, which was the first outbreak caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 Alpha variant in China and occurred in Daxing district, Beijing. Methods: Epidemiological investigation and big data technology were used to verify the exposure points of the cases. Close contacts were traced from the exposure points, and their human and environmental samples were collected for nucleic acid tests. Serum samples were collected from key persons for antibody detection. Results: A total of 33 corona virus disease 2019(COVID-19) cases were reported in the local outbreak, from January 17, 2021 to January 29, 2021 in Daxing district, Beijing, and there was epidemiological association in 32 cases. Except for one case who was infected in the workplace, other cases were all infected in the community and family. All cases involved 14 families, of which 6 families were all infected. The attack rate of all family members was 69%(33/48), and the secondary attack rate was 56%(19/34). There was no obvious source of infection found after the investigation of entry-exit personnel and goods. Conclusion: The first outbreak caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 Alpha variant in China is found and handled in time, and thus the scope of influence is limited, but the family clustering characteristics are more obvious than previous outbreaks.