The first case of the Brazilian variant of the coronavirus was found in New York, state health officials announced on Saturday.
The infected patient is said to be in his 90s and has not traveled, according to a press release issued by Governor Andrew Cuomo’s office. Scientists at Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan made the discovery, which was later verified by the state Department of Health’s Wadsworth Center Laboratories. The state health department is now coordinating with the city health department to learn more about the patient and all the people with whom they may have contact.
There are several mutant strains of the virus that have already been detected in the state of New York, including a discovery for the first time in the United Kingdom last year. In February of this year, the first case of the South African variant was found in New York City. Meanwhile, another mutated variant known as B.1.526, was first found in Washington Heights last month.
Compared to the regular coronavirus strain, the Brazilian variant is considered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a “concern variant”, since it is known to transmit more easily when compared to the normal coronavirus. To date, data not reviewed by peers compiled by researchers at the University of Oxford suggests that the COVID vaccines currently being administered may not be as effective in combating the Brazilian variant, known as the P.1 variant. To date, 48 people across the country have contracted this specific strain, according to the state.
In a note, Cuomo said that the presence of the variant in the state should reinforce why New Yorkers should take all precautions to combat the strain.
“While it is normal for a virus to mutate, the best way to protect yourself is to continue to wear a tight-fitting mask, avoid large crowds, social distance, wash your hands and be vaccinated when your turn comes,” said Cuomo.
Although the availability of the vaccine has increased the likelihood of life returning to normal soon, the state health department commissioner, Dr. Howard Zucker, said that “this is a race between the vaccine and the variants”.
“We continue to make tremendous progress to be shot in the arms of eligible New Yorkers,” said Zucker. “In the meantime, we remind New Yorkers to do everything they can to protect themselves and their neighbors, while we continue to manage this pandemic.”