Linked Clusters of SARS-CoV-2 Variant B.1.351 — Maryland, January–February 2021

What is already known about this topic?
In January 2021, a SARS-CoV-2 specimen from a Maryland resident was determined to be the B.1.351 variant, first identified in South Africa. The SARS-CoV-2 B.1.351 variant might elicit a reduced neutralizing antibody response.
What is added by this report?
Investigation identified two linked clusters of SARS-CoV-2 infection, comprising 17 total patients (two were hospitalized and one died) who did not report recent travel. Four patients’ specimens were sequenced; all were the B.1.351 variant.
What are the implications for public health practice?
These were the first identified clusters of B.1.351 in the United States with no link to travel. Completed contact investigations, expanded genetic sequencing, and universal prevention strategies, including vaccination, masking, and distance, might prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, including B.1.351.

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