The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced three new COVID-19 variants spreading across the world.
The first variant is called B.1.1.7. It was first detected in Sept. 2020 and is currently affecting London and southeast England. The variant has multiple mutations.
“This variant spreads more easily and quickly than other variants,” the CDC reported. “Currently, there is no evidence that it causes more severe illness or increased risk of death. It has since been detected in numerous countries around the world, including the United States and Canada.”
The other two variants are 1.351, found in South Africa, and P.1., found in Brazil, but neither has been detected in the United States.
The CDC reported that the variants cause the virus to spread faster, but, like B.1.1.7, the variants do not cause more severe cases or a higher risk of death.
“However, an increase in the number of cases will put more strain on health care resources, lead to more hospitalizations, and potentially more deaths,” the CDC reported. “Rigorous and increased compliance with public health mitigation strategies, such as vaccination, physical distancing, use of masks, hand hygiene, and isolation and quarantine, will be essential to limiting the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and protecting public health.”
Scientists are studying these variants to widen their understanding. National Public Radio reported the Moderna vaccine protects against the new variants of COVID-19. The vaccine is more effective in fighting against B.1.1.7 than 1.351.
“As a result, Moderna will test booster doses of its vaccine – including one that would be tailored to fight strains that have recently emerged,” NPR reported.
The booster dose could be used with other vaccines.
“Moderna believes its booster candidate could add protections against the coronavirus when used ‘with all of the leading vaccine candidates,’ not just its own vaccine,” NPR reported.
The current social distancing measures being taken will help protect against the spread of the variants. “And the protective measures we all know so well – masks, social distancing, washing hands, avoiding crowds – are still the best defense, though people may have to be even more vigilant in using them,” USA Today reported.
