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MADISON, Wisconsin (WBAY) – Wisconsin state health officials say another variant of the COVID-19 virus has been found in Wisconsin. The South African variant, called B.1.351, is more contagious and spreads faster than the original COVID-19 virus.
Health officials are not yet sure whether the South African variant is more dangerous or whether the risk of severe symptoms from COVID-19 is the same.
This is the second variant of the COVID-19 virus to be confirmed in Wisconsin. Deputy Health Secretary Julie Willems Van Dijk said on Thursday there were 19 confirmed cases of the British variant in Wisconsin – that number was up to 26 on Friday. She said that was a conservative figure, as a small fraction of coronavirus cases undergo genomic testing to determine the strain of the virus.
The Department of Health Services said the discovery demonstrates the need to remain vigilant against the coronavirus with wearing masks, hand washing and social distancing. Health officials say preliminary evidence suggests the Moderna vaccine is less effective against the South African variant, but it is inconclusive.
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