Genome Data Help Track Community Spread of COVID-19
by NIH Director’s Blog/Dr. Francis Collins
Contact tracing, a term that’s been in the news lately, is a crucial tool for controlling the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. It depends on quick, efficient identification of an infected individual, followed by identification of all who’ve recently been in close contact with that person so the contacts can self-quarantine to break the chain of transmission.
Properly carried out, contact tracing can be extremely effective. It can also be extremely challenging when battling a stealth virus like SARS-CoV-2, especially when the virus is spreading rapidly.
But there are some innovative ways to enhance contact tracing. In a new study, published in the journal Nature Medicine, researchers in Australia demonstrate one of them: assembling genomic data about the virus to assist contact tracing efforts. This so-called genomic surveillance builds on the idea that when the virus is passed from person to person over a few months, it can acquire random variations in the sequence of its genetic material. These unique variations serve as distinctive genomic “fingerprints.”
Carol graduated from Riverside White Cross School of Nursing in Columbus, Ohio and received her diploma as a registered nurse. She attended Bowling Green State University where she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and Literature. She attended the University of Toledo, College of Nursing, and received a Master’s of Nursing Science Degree as an Educator.
She has traveled extensively, is a photographer, and writes on medical issues. Carol has three children RJ, Katherine, and Stephen – one daughter-in-law; Katie – two granddaughters; Isabella Marianna and Zoe Olivia – and one grandson, Alexander Paul. She also shares her life with her husband Gordon Duff, many cats, and two rescues.
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If the goal is to allow the movement of society for the sake of the economy, then tracing is a good tool. If we just shut it down to a skeleton crew, then the tracing could be focused on them. If Republicans want everything to open, but not use tracing, then they are killing people on purpose. That is why I say they are thwarting mitigation while encouraging infection at the behest of Britains lead. The “herd immunity” crowd, is the op that is killing people.
David, We cannot have herd immunity without a vaccine or without the greater portion of the population being already immune to COVID-19. We do not have either….and with the immunity of those who do get COVID-19, it is really uncertain at this time if it is everlasting for goes away….the common cold coronavirus we can get over and over again….the big difference is that it’s track record for killing people is non-existent compared to COVID-19.
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