PHOENIX – Arizona Department of Health Services officials say they have detected the so-called South African variant of COVID-19 in Arizona.
According to a statement released on March 26, AZDHS, together with the Maricopa County Department of Public Health and TGen, reported that strain B.1.351 from COVID-19 was detected in two state test samples.
“According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this variant of SARS-CoV-2, which spreads at a faster rate, was first detected in the US in late January. The CDC reported that vaccines currently authorized so far appear to be effective against this variant, “read a part of the statement.
AZDHS officials say it is normal for viruses to change by mutation as they continue to spread, and new variants are likely to occur over time.
“The discovery of this variant in the state is yet another reminder that Arizonans should be vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible. They should also take precautions to reduce the spread of COVID-19, including wearing masks, staying 1.8 m away from those who are not members of their families, who wash their hands frequently and stay at home when are sick “, read a part of the statement.
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Symptoms of covid19
Symptoms of the COVID-19 coronavirus include fever, cough and shortness of breath. These, of course, are similar to the common cold and the flu.
A common cold can be expected to start with a sore or itchy sore, cough, runny and / or stuffy nose. Flu symptoms are more intense and usually appear suddenly, and can include a high fever.
The symptoms of COVID-19 may appear more slowly. They usually include fever, dry cough and noticeable shortness of breath, according to the World Health Organization. A minority of cases develop pneumonia, and the disease is of particular concern to the elderly and those with other medical conditions, such as hypertension, obesity, diabetes or heart problems.
COVID-19 Features
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CDC website for COVID-19
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus
https://espanol.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html (in Spanish / Spanish)
AZDHS website for COVID-19
https://www.azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/infectious-disease-epidemiology/index.php#novel-coronavirus-home
https://www.azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/infectious-disease-epidemiology/es/covid-19/index.php#novel-coronavirus-home (in Spanish / en Español)