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SARS-CoV-2 Introductions into Lao PDR Revealed by Genomic Surveillance, 2021–2024

by Siribun Panapruksachat, Cécile Troupin, Manila Souksavanh, Chantisa Keeratipusana, Manivanh Vongsouvath, Susath Vongphachanh, Malavanh Vongsouvath, Koukeo Phommasone, Somphavanh Somlor, Matthew T. Robinson, Thanat Chookajorn, Theerarat Kochakarn, Nicholas PJ Day, Mayfong Mayxay, Andrew G. Letizia, Audrey Dubot-Pérès, Elizabeth A Ashley, Philippe Buchy, Phonepadith Xangsayarath, and Elizabeth M. Batty

Posted: April 10, 2026
Server: medRxiv
DOI: 10.64898/2026.04.09.26349480

We used 2492 whole genome sequences from Laos to investigate the molecular epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 from 2021 through 2024, covering the major waves of COVID-19 disease in Laos including time periods of travel restrictions and after relaxation of travel across international borders. We identify successive waves of COVID-19 caused by shifts in the dominant lineage, beginning with the Alpha variant in April 2021 and continuing through the Delta and Omicron variants. We quantify a shift from a small number of viral introductions responsible for widespread transmission in early waves to a larger number of introductions for each variant after travel restrictions were lifted, and identify potential routes of introduction into the country. Our study underscores the importance of genomic surveillance to public health responses to characterize viral transmission dynamics during pandemics.

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