Dataset Information

Superspreading potentials of SARS-CoV-2 Delta variants across different contact settings in Eastern China: A retrospective observational study.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

As the genetic variants of SARS-CoV-2 continuously pose threats to global health, evaluating superspreading potentials of emerging genetic variants is of importance for region-wide control of COVID-19 outbreaks.

Methods

By using detailed epidemiological contact tracing data of test-positive COVID-19 cases collected between July and August 2021 in Nanjing and Yangzhou, China, we assessed the superspreading potential of outbreaks seeded by SARS-CoV-2 Delta variants. The transmission chains and case-clusters were constructed according to the individual-based surveillance data. We modelled the disease transmission as a classic branching process with transmission heterogeneity governed by negative binomial models. Subgroup analysis was conducted by different contact settings and age groups.

Results

We reported a considerable heterogeneity in the contact patterns and transmissibility of Delta variants in eastern China. We estimated an expected 14% (95% CI: 11-16%) of the most infectious cases generated 80% of the total transmission.

Conclusions

Delta variants demonstrated a significant potential of superspreading under strict control measures and active COVID-19 detecting efforts. Enhancing the surveillance on disease transmissibility especially in high-risk settings, along with rapid contact tracing and case isolations would be one of the key factors to mitigate the epidemic caused by the emerging genetic variants of SARS-CoV-2.

SUBMITTER: Wang K

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9985516 | biostudies-literature | 2023 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Superspreading potentials of SARS-CoV-2 Delta variants across different contact settings in Eastern China: A retrospective observational study.

Wang Kai K Luan Zemin Z Guo Zihao Z Lei Hao H Zeng Ting T Yu Lin L Li Hujiaojiao H Tian Maozai M Ran Jinjun J Zhao Shi S

Journal of infection and public health 20230305 5

<h4>Objectives</h4>As the genetic variants of SARS-CoV-2 continuously pose threats to global health, evaluating superspreading potentials of emerging genetic variants is of importance for region-wide control of COVID-19 outbreaks.<h4>Methods</h4>By using detailed epidemiological contact tracing data of test-positive COVID-19 cases collected between July and August 2021 in Nanjing and Yangzhou, China, we assessed the superspreading potential of outbreaks seeded by SARS-CoV-2 Delta variants. The t ...[more]

PMID: 36934643

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Project description:BackgroundFrom August to September 2022, Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in China, faced its largest COVID-19 outbreak caused by the emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.5.2 variants. Although the superspreading of COVID-19 played an important role in triggering large-scale outbreaks, little was known about the superspreading potential and heterogeneity in the transmission of Omicron BA.5 variants.MethodsIn this retrospective observational, contact tracing study, we identified 1139 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases of Omicron BA.5.2 variants, and 51 323 test-negative close contacts in Urumqi from 7 August to 7 September 2022. By using detailed contact tracing information and exposure history of linked case-contact pairs, we described stratification in contact and heterogeneity in transmission across different demographic strata, vaccine statuses, and contact settings. We adopted beta-binomial models to characterise the secondary attack rate (SAR) distribution among close contacts and modelled COVID-19 transmission as a branching process with heterogeneity in transmission governed by negative binomial models.ResultsAfter the city lockdown, the mean case cluster size decreased from 2.0 (before lockdown) to 1.6, with decreased proportions of contacts in workplace and community settings compared with household settings. We estimated that 14% of the most infectious index cases generated 80% transmission, whereas transmission in the community setting presented the highest heterogeneity, with 5% index cases seeding 80% transmission. Compared with zero, one, and two doses of inactivated vaccine (Sinopharm), index cases with three doses of vaccine had a lower risk of generating secondary cases in terms of the reproduction number. Contacts of female cases, cases with ages 0-17 years, and household settings had relatively higher SAR.ConclusionsIn the context of intensive control measures, active case detection, and relatively high vaccine coverage, but with an infection-naive population, our findings suggested high heterogeneity in the contact and transmission risks of Omicron BA.5 variants across different demographic strata, vaccine statuses, and contact settings. Given the rapid evolution of SARS-CoV-2, investigating the distribution of transmission not only helped promote public awareness and preparedness among high-risk groups, but also highlighted the importance of continuously monitoring the transmission characteristics of genetic variants of SARS-CoV-2.

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Dataset Information

Superspreading potentials of SARS-CoV-2 Delta variants across different contact settings in Eastern China: A retrospective observational study.

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Publications

Superspreading potentials of SARS-CoV-2 Delta variants across different contact settings in Eastern China: A retrospective observational study.

Similar Datasets

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