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To better understand the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variant lineage distribution in a college campus population, we carried out viral genome surveillance over a 7-week period from January to March 2021. Among the sequences were three novel viral variants: BV-1 with a B.1.1.7/20I genetic background and an additional spike mutation Q493R, associated with a mild but longer-than-usual COVID-19 case in a college-age person, BV-2 with a T478K mutation on a 20B genetic background, and BV-3, an apparent recombinant lineage. This work highlights the potential of an undervaccinated younger population as a reservoir for the spread and generation of novel variants. This also demonstrates the value of whole genome sequencing as a routine disease surveillance tool.

Understanding the ecological and epidemiological roles of pets in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is critical for animal and human health, identifying household reservoirs, and predicting the potential enzootic maintenance of the virus. We conducted a longitudinal household transmission study of 76 dogs and cats living with at least one SARS-CoV-2-infected human in Texas and found that 17 pets from 25.6% of 39 households met the national case definition for SARS-CoV-2 infections in animals. This includes three out of seventeen (17.6%) cats and one out of fifty-nine (1.7%) dogs that were positive by RT-PCR and sequencing, with the virus successfully isolated from the respiratory swabs of one cat and one dog. Whole-genome sequences of SARS-CoV-2 obtained from all four PCR-positive animals were unique variants grouping with genomes circulating among people with COVID-19 in Texas. Re-sampling showed persistence of viral RNA for at least 25 d-post initial test. Additionally, seven out of sixteen (43.8%) cats and seven out of fifty-nine (11.9%) dogs harbored SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies upon initial sampling, with relatively stable or increasing titers over the 2–3 months of follow-up and no evidence of seroreversion. The majority (82.4%) of infected pets were asymptomatic. ‘Reverse zoonotic’ transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from infected people to animals may occur more frequently than recognized.

As part of a longitudinal household transmission study of pets living with persons with COVID-19 in Texas, two pets were confirmed to be infected with the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant of concern (VOC). The pets were a dog and a cat from the same household, sampled two days after their owner tested positive for COVID-19. The oral, nasal, and fur swabs for both pets tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by qRT-PCR and consensus whole genome sequences from the dog and cat were 100 % identical and matched the B.1.1.7 VOC. Virus was isolated from the cat’s nasal swab. One month after initial detection of infection, the pets were re-tested twice at which time only the fur swabs (both pets) and oral swab (dog only) remained positive, and neutralizing antibodies for SARS-CoV-2 were present in both animals. Sneezing by both pets was noted by the owner in the weeks between initial and follow-up testing. This study documents the first detection of B.1.1.7. in companion animals in the United States, and the first genome recovery and isolation of B.1.1.7 variant of concern globally in any animal.

Background Lack of health insurance may limit access to influenza vaccination, resulting in higher risk of infection. Methods The Brazos County Health Department obtained medical records summarizing vaccination and health insurance status of all influenza cases occurring in December 2017 (n = 417). The odds of influenza vaccination were estimated for those with public or private health insurance as compared to uninsured individuals using multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for age and race. Results Health insurance coverage among Brazos County residents with influenza was 62.4%. Public and private health insurance was associated with higher odds of influenza vaccination compared to no insurance (aOR: 2.05; 95% CI: 1.00–4.21 and aOR: 1.77; 95% CI: 1.07–2.92, respectively), particularly among adults 18–64 years of age. Conclusions Influenza vaccination is strongly associated with health insurance. Expansion of programs that facilitate access to health services or provide free influenza vaccines may improve influenza prevention among the uninsured.

Based on an increase in influenza cases in Brazos County, Texas, a Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) was conducted by the Brazos County Health Department (BCHD) and the Texas AM School of Public Health's EpiAssist program. The goal of the CASPER was to supplement other data sources to assess vaccination rates and influenza prevalence in the community during a period of high influenza activity nationwide.Using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) CASPER toolkit, 30 census blocks in Brazos County were selected probability proportionate to population size. Seven interviews were attempted in each selected census block by an interview team. The survey contained 21 questions in 5 domains, including demographics, general infection control knowledge, prior infection with influenza, prior experience with influenza vaccine, and attitudes towards influenza vaccination. Survey results were entered into a database for the calculation of frequencies, crude odds ratios (OR), and 95% confidence intervals (CI).Two-hundred and seven households completed the survey. Estimated vaccination rates in Brazos County adults were higher than Texas adults overall, but rates did not differ among children. Forty-two (20.4%) of respondents reported having influenza illness during the month of December 2017. Overall, respondents were knowledgeable of influenza transmission and prevention and reported few barriers and objections to the vaccine; however, some responses suggest misinformation that could be addressed through communication from local health departments exists. African American/Black respondents were less likely to receive a vaccine than respondents of other races, while individuals age 65 and over as well as those who believed the vaccine to be effective were more likely to be vaccinated.CASPER should be considered a tool for assessing influenza vaccine and disease status of communities and has potential for providing information useful in the development of public health initiatives.