Imported SARS-CoV-2 Variant P.1 in Traveler Returning from Brazil to Italy

Abstract

We report an imported case of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variant P.1 detected in an asymptomatic traveler who arrived in Italy on an indirect flight from Brazil. This case shows the risk for introduction of SARS-CoV-2 variants from indirect flights and the need for continued SARS-CoV-2 surveillance.

Keywords: 20J/501Y.V3; B.1.1.28; Brazil; COVID-19; Italy; P.1; SARS; SARS-CoV-2; coronavirus disease; respiratory infections; severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; variant of concern; viruses; zoonoses.

Figure

Phylogenetic tree of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 variant P.1 sequences from a male traveler returning from Brazil to Italy and reference sequences from Brazil. Bold text indicates sequence from the traveler. Scale bar indicates nucleotide substitutions per site.