Emerging Infectious Diseases (Apr 2023)

SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Replacement of Delta as Predominant Variant, Puerto Rico

  • Gilberto A. Santiago,
  • Hannah R. Volkman,
  • Betzabel Flores,
  • Glenda L. González,
  • Keyla N. Charriez,
  • Limari Cora Huertas,
  • Steven M. Van Belleghem,
  • Vanessa Rivera-Amill,
  • Chelsea Major,
  • Candimar Colon,
  • Rafael Tosado,
  • Laura E. Adams,
  • Melissa Marzán,
  • Lorena Hernández,
  • Iris Cardona,
  • Eduardo O’Neill,
  • Gabriela Paz-Bailey,
  • Riccardo Papa,
  • Jorge L. Muñoz-Jordan

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2904.221700
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 29, no. 4
pp. 855 – 857

Abstract

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We reconstructed the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic caused by Omicron variant in Puerto Rico by sampling genomes collected during October 2021–May 2022. Our study revealed that Omicron BA.1 emerged and replaced Delta as the predominant variant in December 2021. Increased transmission rates and a dynamic landscape of Omicron sublineage infections followed.

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