The first familial cluster of the B.1.1.7 variant of SARS-CoV-2 in the northeast of Italy

Abstract

Purpose: We report on the first identified cluster of the B.1.1.7 variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections in the northeast of Italy. Methods: The cluster was recognized in January 2021 with an epidemiological started from the hospitalization of a 68-year-old man suffering from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) related pneumonia and we surprisingly found three families involved in the same cluster. Results: We retrospectively rebuilt the pathway of infection and performed a virological analysis. Conclusion: This allow us to make clear the very high attack rate and the great infective capacity of this B.1.1.7 variant of SARS-CoV-2.