MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – The first case of South Africa’s COVID-19 variant was discovered in the state, the Department of Health Services.
This new variant, coined B.1.351, is completely separate from the one originally discovered to be circulating in the United Kingdom, called B.1.1.7.
According to a press release, this variant strain spreads more quickly and easily than the original COVID-19 strain. The researchers do not know whether this variant has any impact on the severity of the virus.
“It is important to remember that new variants must occur over time,” said DHS deputy secretary Julie Willems Van Dijk. “Here in Wisconsin, sequencing the entire genome of positive samples from COVID-19 cases is done on a regular basis.”
Health officials have noted that this variant can affect how someone’s antibodies respond to the virus.
All three currently authorized vaccines, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson, are expected to reduce the risk of COVID-19, even with these variants.
DHS also noted that there were 26 cases of the UK variant found in Wisconsin, up from 19 that were reported on Thursday. There was only one case of the South African variant, says DHS.
Willems Van Dijk asked Wisconsin residents to remain vigilant to protect themselves from COVID-19.
“As these variants can spread more easily than the original strain of SARS-CoV-2, wearing a mask, staying at home, physically distancing yourself and washing your hands remains crucial,” she said.
The department did not say in which city or county this new variant was found.
Copyright 2021 WMTV. All rights reserved.