MADISON, Wis. – A second variant strain of the virus that causes COVID-19 has been confirmed in Wisconsin.
The state Department of Health Services said the South Africa variant, also known as B.1.351, was identified on Thursday through genome sequencing. The variant differs from the UK variant, which was first confirmed in Wisconsin in January.
Variant B.1.351 was discovered in South Africa in samples from October. The researchers said that both new variants are more contagious compared to the original COVID-19 strain. Some evidence also suggests that the South African variant may possibly affect how certain antibodies respond to the virus.
@DHSWI and laboratory partners have identified a second variant strain of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. What it means is that we should all continue to take precautions to protect ourselves and everyone around us to #StopTheSpread
Get details at https://t.co/GFpeoWbUOz pic.twitter.com/yjNP2oA0KD– WIDeptHealthServices (@DHSWI) March 5, 2021
Experts said the three authorized vaccines effectively reduce the risk of the virus and its variants.
“It is important to remember that new variants must occur over time. Here in Wisconsin, sequencing the entire genome of positive specimens from COVID-19 cases is done regularly, ”said DHS Deputy Secretary Julie Willems Van Dijk. “As these variants can spread more easily than the original SARS-CoV-2 strain, wearing a mask, staying at home, physically distancing yourself and washing your hands remains crucial.”
On Friday afternoon, health officials identified one case of the South African variant and 26 cases of the United Kingdom variant in Wisconsin.
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