Large SARS-CoV-2 Outbreak Caused by Asymptomatic Traveler, China

Abstract

An asymptomatic person infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 returned to Heilongjiang Province, China, after international travel. The traveler's neighbor became infected and generated a cluster of >71 cases, including cases in 2 hospitals. Genome sequences of the virus were distinct from viral genomes previously circulating in China.

Keywords: COVID-19; China; Heilongjiang; SARS; SARS-CoV-2; asymptomatic transmission; coronavirus; coronavirus disease; respiratory infections; severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; viruses; zoonoses.

Figure

Timeline of exposure and connections between cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) among persons in Heilongjiang Province, China. A0 returned from the United States on March 19, tested negative for SARS-CoV-2, and self-quarantined in her apartment and remained asymptomatic. However, SARS-CoV-2 serum IgM was negative and IgG was positive in later retests, indicating that A0 was previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 and likely was an asymptomatic carrier. B1.1, A0’s downstairs neighbor, likely became infected by using the elevator in the building after A0 had used it.