MADISON, Wis. A second variant of the virus that causes COVID-19 has been confirmed in Wisconsin.
The Department of Health Services said the South African variant, also known as B.1.351, was identified by genome sequence on Thursday. The variant differs from the British variant, which was first confirmed in Wisconsin in January.
The B.1.351 variant was discovered in South Africa in samples resulting from October. Researchers said both the new variants are more contagious compared to the original COVID-19 strain. Some evidence also suggests that the South African variant may influence how certain antibodies respond to the virus.
@DHSWI and laboratory partners identified a second variant of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. What this means is that we must all continue to take precautions to protect ourselves and everyone around us #StopTheSpread
Get details at https://t.co/GFpeoWbUOz pic.twitter.com/yjNP2oA0KD– WIDeptHealthServices (@DHSWI) 5 March 2021
Experts said all three of the authorized vaccines effectively reduce the risk of the virus and its variants.
‘It is important to remember that over time, new variants are expected to emerge. Here in Wisconsin, a complete genome sequence of positive samples from COVID-19 cases is done regularly, ‘said Julie Willems Van Dijk, deputy secretary of DHS. “Because these variants spread more easily than the original SARS-CoV-2, wearing a mask, staying at home, physical distance and washing your hands are crucial.”
As of Friday afternoon, health officials have identified one case of the South African variant and 26 cases of the British variant in Wisconsin.
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