Case of Brazilian COVID-19 variant confirmed in Wisconsin

Second South African variant case also discovered

A case of the Brazilian COVID-19 variant has been confirmed in Wisconsin, along with a second confirmed case of the South African variant. Continuing Coverage: Coronavirus in WisconsinAccording to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, the Brazilian variant, or Variant P.1 was first discovered in four travelers from Brazil who were tested at an airport near Tokyo, Japan in early January 2021.Researchers have found this strain spreads more rapidly and easily than the original COVID-19 virus. The P.1 variant also has unique genetic mutations that may affect the body’s ability to recognize and fight off the virus. Typically, antibodies developed through previous COVID-19 infection or through vaccination can fight off the coronavirus. However, if the virus has mutated, antibodies may not recognize it and leave you exposed to COVID-19 infection by this strain.The South African variant, or Variant B.1.351, was first discovered in South Africa in samples dating back to October 2020.Researchers have found that this strain also spreads more rapidly and easily than the original coronavirus. It is not yet known if this variant has any impact on disease severity. There is some evidence that this variant may affect how vaccine-induced antibodies respond to this virus.As of Friday, there were also 78 UK variant cases in the state.Sign up for coronavirus email alerts from WISNGet breaking news alerts with the WISN 12 app.Follow us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

MADISON, Wis. —

A case of the Brazilian COVID-19 variant has been confirmed in Wisconsin, along with a second confirmed case of the South African variant.

Continuing Coverage: Coronavirus in Wisconsin

According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, the Brazilian variant, or Variant P.1 was first discovered in four travelers from Brazil who were tested at an airport near Tokyo, Japan in early January 2021.

Researchers have found this strain spreads more rapidly and easily than the original COVID-19 virus. The P.1 variant also has unique genetic mutations that may affect the body’s ability to recognize and fight off the virus.

Typically, antibodies developed through previous COVID-19 infection or through vaccination can fight off the coronavirus. However, if the virus has mutated, antibodies may not recognize it and leave you exposed to COVID-19 infection by this strain.

The South African variant, or Variant B.1.351, was first discovered in South Africa in samples dating back to October 2020.

Researchers have found that this strain also spreads more rapidly and easily than the original coronavirus. It is not yet known if this variant has any impact on disease severity. There is some evidence that this variant may affect how vaccine-induced antibodies respond to this virus.

As of Friday, there were also 78 UK variant cases in the state.

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