Early Introduction of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 into Europe

Abstract

Early infections with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in Europe were detected in travelers from Wuhan, China, in January 2020. In 1 tour group, 5 of 30 members were ill; 3 cases were laboratory confirmed. In addition, a healthcare worker was infected. This event documents early importation and subsequent spread of the virus in Europe.

Keywords: 2019 novel coronavirus disease; COVID-19; Europe; SARS-CoV-2; coronavirus; respiratory infections; severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; transmission; travel-related illness; viruses; zoonoses.

Figure

Timeline showing illness onsets and exposures for 6 persons with suspected or confirmed cases of infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 associated with transmission in a tour group flying from Wuhan, China, to Europe, January–February, 2020. A) Flight from Wuhan to Rome; B) 2 case-patients visited by healthcare worker; C) return flight from Paris to Guangdong; D) tour guide flight to Taipei.