Wisconsin health officials identify one case of COVID-19 variant from Brazil

From JSOnline:

Molly Beck

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

MADISON - State health officials this week have identified one case of a COVID-19 variant that was first identified in Brazil.

Health officials warned the new variant has unique mutations that may affect the effectiveness of antibodies, generated through a previous COVID-19 infection or through a vaccination.

The variant – called P.1 – was first reported in late January by the National Institute of Infectious Diseases in Japan after four travelers from Brazil were screened at an airport outside of Tokyo.

The variant has 17 unique mutations, including three in the virus’ spiked protein, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Earlier this month, the CDC reported 10 cases of the P.1 variant in five U.S. states: Alaska, Florida, Oklahoma, Minnesota and Maryland. The agency has designated it a "variant of concern."

Read more: https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/2021/03/26/covid-19-brazil-variant-found-wisconsin-health-officials-say/7019321002/