Researchers Identify 7 US-Based Coronavirus Variants

ATLANTA – It’s news no one wants to hear, but researchers say they have found at least seven new variants of the coronavirus – all based here in the United States.

In an unpaired publication, researchers said the variants were related to each other and identified them as Q677P. They believe the original variant then morphed into at least six other shapes. Cases have been found all over the United States, but the variants appear to be concentrated in the south-central and southwestern regions of the country.

The document specifically mentions Lousiana and New Mexico, where as of mid-January, Q677P variants could be found in 27.8% and 11.3% of coronavirus tests verified for genomic sequencing.

Since only a small portion of the COVID-19 tests are sent for genomic sequencing, experts say we have likely only identified a portion of these variant cases, including those of Q677P.

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Officials have already warned of three other variants, one from the UK, another from South Africa and a third from Brazil. At least 37 cases of the British variants have already been located here in Georgia. Health experts are warning by the end of next month that the UK variant could account for the majority of US cases of COVID-19.

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The researchers were concerned about the Q677P variants, because they show that the virus continues to evolve, looking for better ways to enter the body and spread. They fear that a mutation resistant to current vaccines or treatment methods may occur. This is why they say it is so important for people to keep their guard.

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