The first cases of a more contagious variant first identified in South Africa were found in the United States, the South Carolina health department said on Thursday.
Authorities reported two cases in South Carolina of the variant known as B.1.351.
Health experts say that this variant is of particular concern because, in addition to being more contagious, the first studies showed some reduction in the antibody response of vaccines to the variant.
Still, both Pfizer and Moderna claim that studies indicate that their vaccines are still effective against the variant, despite some drop in the antibody response.
The state health department said there was no connection between the two cases in South Carolina and no travel history known at the time, an indication that more cases could be found soon.
Another variant, first identified in the UK, has already been found in many states in the USA.
Dr. Anthony Fauci
Anthony FauciOvernight Health Care: Biden consultant offers more pessimistic outlook on vaccine launch | CDC says coronavirus can kill up to 514K on February 20 | Vaccine research funds have been misused for decades, says Fauci, who believes vaccine companies are ready for “mutant” coronavirus strains. Fauci defends Birx: “She had to live in the White House” MORE said on Thursday on MSNBC that the South African variant is “of greatest concern” and “can really be problematic”.
There is still no evidence that the South African variant causes more serious illness.
New cases in the United States have declined recently, although still at extremely high levels, but these variants threaten to cause another spike.
Experts say it is crucial for people to be vaccinated as soon as possible, to reduce the chances of the virus continuing to spread and mutate.
It is also crucial to double the same precautions, such as wearing a mask, avoiding meetings indoors and keeping distance from other people to fight the new variants, experts say.
“We know that viruses mutate to live and live to mutate,” said Dr. Brannon Traxler, interim director of public health in South Carolina. “This is why it is critical that we all continue to do our part, performing small actions that make a big difference. This includes wearing our masks, staying at least two meters away from others, avoiding large crowds, washing your hands, having tests frequently and, when possible, being vaccinated.
“These are the best tools to prevent the spread of the virus, no matter what strain,” said Traxler.