The first case of the Brazilian variant of the coronavirus was found in New York, state health officials announced Saturday.
According to a press release issued by Andrew Cuomo’s office, the infected patient is in his 90s who did not travel. Scientists at Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan made the discovery, which was later confirmed by the state Department of Health’s Wadsworth Center Laboratories. The state health department is now coordinating with the city health department to find out more about the patient and everyone they may have been in contact with.
There are several mutated strains of the virus that have been detected in New York State, including one that was only found in the UK last year. In February this year, the first case of the South African variant was found in New York City. Meanwhile, another mutated variant known as B.1.526 was first found in Washington Heights last month.
Compared to the common coronavirus strain, the Brazilian variant is considered a ‘variant of concern’ by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention because of how it is known to transmit more easily compared to the common coronavirus. To date, the non-peer-reviewed data compiled by Oxford University researchers suggest that the COVID vaccines currently being administered may not be as effective against the Brazilian variant known as the P.1 variant. , to fight. According to the state, so far 48 people from across the country have experienced this particular tension.
In a statement, Cuomo said the presence of the variant in the state should reinforce why New Yorkers should take every precaution to combat the tension.
“While it’s normal for a virus to mutate, the best way to protect yourself is to keep wearing a well-fitting mask, avoid large crowds, take social distances, wash your hands and vaccinate. if it’s your turn, “Cuomo said.
Although the availability of vaccines has raised the possibility that life will soon return to normal, Dr. State Health Commissioner Howard Zucker said: “It’s a race between vaccine and the variant.”
“We are making tremendous progress in getting shots into the arms of eligible New Yorkers,” Zucker said. “Meanwhile, we remind New Yorkers to do everything in their power to protect themselves and their neighbors as we continue to manage this pandemic.”