Health officials in the U.S. state of South Carolina announced Thursday that the new South African variant of the coronavirus has been detected in two in the United States.
These are the first known cases of the more contagious South African variant in the US.
Officials said there was no known travel history and no connection between the two cases, both in adults. Authorities have not released additional information for privacy reasons, however, both cases suggest that South African snoring is already spreading within local communities.
“The introduction of the SARS-CoV-2 version in our state is an important reminder to all South Carolinians that the fight against this deadly virus is far from over,” the spokesman said. Dr. Brannon Traxler, director of public health, South Carolina Department of Health. and Environmental Control.
South African snoring was first identified in December and appears to have spread more rapidly. It carries mutations that allow it to more easily connect to human cells. There are no data yet to show that South African snoring is more deadly.
The South African strain of the virus that causes COVID-19 is one of three mutations that have recently emerged, causing concern among public health authorities around the world.
“At present, we have no evidence that infections with this variant cause a more serious infection. Similar to the UK and Brazilian versions, preliminary data suggest that this variant could spread more easily and quickly than other variants, ”the CDC said in a statement on Thursday.
A mutation of the virus found in the UK last year appears to be both more contagious and deadly, according to authorities. A third variant found in Brazil also appears more contagious.
The UK variant was found in more than 20 U.S. states and could become mainstream in the U.S. by the end of March, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and National Institutes have top scientists Health said.
South African Cabinet Minister Jackson Mthembu died of COVID-19 last week. Police are investigating a local officer for not wearing a mask and for plugging a police officer into the public funeral. [Kopano Tlape/South African Government Communication and Information Services via AP]
Scientists are beginning to evaluate how existing vaccines affect new strains of the virus.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the U.S. ‘s leading infectious disease expert, said in a U.S. television interview on Sunday that it is unclear whether the vaccines that are now being rolled out will be more effective against new strains.
“When we look at the effects of the chain, which is like the UK line in at least 20 states in the US, it seems that the vaccine-induced antibodies are still a protection against mutant restraint, ”Fauci told Fox News on January 24.
The virus moves as it spreads and scientists have warned that strains in diseases will generate new strains of the virus.
“We know that viruses go around living and staying around,” Dr. Traxler said in a statement.
“That’s why it’s vital that we continue to do our part by taking small actions that will make a big difference,” she said.
South Carolina Medical University project manager Amy Jackson changed her face mask as health care providers embraced protective protection, in Charleston, South Carolina in 2020 [File: Mic Smith/AP Photo]
“These include wearing our masks, staying at least six feet away from others, avoiding crowds, washing our hands, getting tested regularly, and when we can, get the vaccine. These are the best tools to stop the spread of the virus, no matter what the pressure. ”
More than 430,000 people have died in the U.S. from COVID-19 since the outbreak began and the new Biden administration has estimated that the death toll will reach 500,000 by the end of February.
President Joe Biden has announced plans to accelerate the delivery of vaccines to Americans in the coming weeks. The U.S. government announced Tuesday that it would purchase 200 million doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for delivery by mid – September.
At the same time, with increasing infection and hospital numbers, regulators in some U.S. states are moving cautiously to release restrictions on businesses where people congregate.
Michigan, Illinois, California, Oregon, North Dakota and the city of Washington, DC, have recently relaxed restrictions on food and other activities.