Top CDC official: Biogen conference ‘played notable role’ in spread of COVID-19

BOSTON — The CDC’s second in command is naming the infamous Biogen conference as a major event that contributed to the early spread of coronavirus in the United States.

As Boston 25 News has reported, 100 of the 175 attendees of that two-day event at the Long Wharf Marriott in late February were infected.

Dr. Anne Schuchat’s report is shedding new light on the role it played in the Massachusetts outbreak that has escalated into more than 68,000 cases.

Her report says the conference also led to increasing case counts in North Carolina, Tennessee, Indiana and Florida.

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“During the last week of February, several large events led to further spread of the disease. These included […] an international professional conference held in Boston, Massachusetts, with approximately 175 attendees,” her report stated.

Dr. Schuchat also named Mardi Gras in Louisiana and a funeral in Georgia, attended by more than 100 people, as some other major events that contributed to early spread.

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She said those gatherings, “played a notable role in the early U.S. spread of COVID-19.”

Biogen did not respond to Boston 25 News’ request for comment for this report.

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