A multispecies COVID-19 family outbreak in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

Abstract SARS-CoV-2, a member of the Coronaviridae family, is the etiological agent of the COVID-19 pandemic. The virus exhibits the ability to adapt to and replicate in a wide range of host species, causing respiratory disease in both humans and animals. Transmission occurs primarily through close contact, underscoring its zoonotic potential. This study describes a SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in a multispecies household in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Methods and Results The household was monitored through two visits conducted 15 days apart, during which both the animals and their owners tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Biological samples were collected from nine animals, including oropharyngeal and rectal swabs for molecular detection, as well as blood samples for complementary analyses. Among the SARS-CoV-2–positive animals—three dogs and one cat—nonspecific clinical signs and/or comorbidities were observed. Conclusions The findings confirm human-to-animal transmission within a shared environment and highlight the potential influence of comorbidities, human–animal interactions, and household conditions on viral transmission dynamics. From a One Health perspective, these results underscore the importance of integrated surveillance and cross-sectoral collaboration to improve the understanding and mitigation of interspecies transmission risks.