Japanese officials have unveiled a new variant of the virus that causes COVID-19, reports CNBC.
Six things to know:
1. A new strain of the coronavirus was detected in four passengers arriving from Brazil, the Japan National Institute for Infectious Diseases Jan. 10. One man in his 40s, who was asymptomatic when he arrived in Japan, was admitted to the hospital as his respiratory condition worsened.
2. The newly identified strain was found to share some of the mutations with those concerned about increased infectivity, the institute said, citing changes identified in the UK and in South Africa.
3. Japan declared a state of emergency Jan. 7 for the Tokyo area after the capital city saw the highest number of COVID-19 cases.
4. A fast variety was discovered in the UK in September and is now common in London and the south east of England. The variant appears to spread more rapidly and rapidly than other variants, but there is currently no evidence that it causes more severe illness or increases the risk of death. The variant has been found in 45 U.S. states and eight U.S. states.
5. South African officials announced December. 18 variable 501Y.V2 is found, with preliminary studies finding that the variable has increased movement. The strain was reported in four other countries as of December. 30.
6. Public health experts have expressed concern about the impact of the new series on vaccination efforts.
More articles on public health:
UK variants found in 8 states; 100K maximum hospital for 40 days – 6 COVID-19 updates
‘Lawless’ vaccine distribution; 22 UK variable cases – 9 things to know about COVID-19 in Florida
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