The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) today announced the detection of two cases associated with the SARS-CoV-2 variant that has recently emerged in South Africa. These are the first two cases of this variant in the United States.
Viruses change constantly, leading to the emergence of variants. Variants are closely monitored for their ability to spread more quickly or cause more disease. South Carolina public health officials were notified yesterday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of a South Carolina sample that was tested at LabCorp and determined to be variant B.1.351 originally identified in South Africa. In addition, the DHEC Public Health Laboratory tested samples on January 25 and yesterday identified a separate case of the same variant. Since June 2020, the DHEC Public Health Laboratory has been testing random samples to identify any instances of variant viruses. The DHEC Public Health Laboratory will continue to conduct this important sampling to identify any other changes in the virus.
Experts agree that existing vaccines work to protect us from this variant, even if we don’t know exactly how effective they are. There is currently no evidence to suggest that variant B.1.351 causes more serious illness.
“The arrival of the SARS-CoV-2 variant in our state is an important reminder for all South Carolinaians that the fight against this deadly virus is far from over,” said Dr. Brannon Traxler, DHEC Acting Director of Public Health. “Although more COVID-19 vaccines are on the way, supplies are still limited. Each of us must commit to the fight again, recognizing that we are all on the front lines now. We are all in this together. “
There is currently no known travel history and no connection between these two cases. Both are adults; one from Lowcountry and one from the Pee Dee region. To protect your privacy, no additional information will be disclosed.
Variant B.1.351 has been identified in more than 30 countries, but these are the first cases of this variant identified in the United States. Other states have had cases of another, called B.1.1.7, originally identified in the United Kingdom. Both variants originally detected in the UK and South Africa spread more easily and quickly than most variants of SARS-CoV-2.
The South African and United Kingdom variants emerged independently of each other and have different characteristics. Most variants do not change the behavior of the virus and many disappear.
“We know that viruses mutate to live and live to mutate”, Dr. Traxler said. “That is why it is essential that we all continue to do our part, carrying out 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 the strain. “
DHEC, in coordination with the CDC, will continue to pay attention to the COVID-19 variants. Public health authorities will provide more information as it becomes available.
Safe and effective vaccines and following public health guidelines are like winning the fight against COVID-19. For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine, go to scdhec.gov/vaxfacts. For the latest information on COVID-19, go to scdhec.gov/COVID19.
Read more at the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control
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