As Variant Spreads In US, Scientists Try To Keep Up With Virus Mutations
The CDC confirms more than 50 U.S. cases of the more-contagious strain of the coronavirus, first identified in the United Kingdom, and warns that more will be infected by it over the next weeks. And The New York Times reports that the U.S. lacks a large-scale, nationwide system for identifying future mutations.
CNN:
New Covid Variant: CDC Has Found More Than 50 US Cases Of Variant First Identified In UK
At least 52 cases of a coronavirus variant first identified in the UK have been found in the United States, according to data posted Wednesday by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This includes at least 26 cases in California, 22 cases in Florida, two cases in Colorado, and one case each in Georgia and New York. (Nedelman, 1/6)
The Washington Post:
CDC Foresees Spread In U.S. Of Highly Contagious Coronavirus Variant
The mutant variant of the novel coronavirus first seen in Britain is likely to be present in much of the United States. Although the variant has so far been detected in a very small fraction of infections, it shows signs of spreading and may become significantly more common in coming weeks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and infectious-disease experts. (Achenbach and Guarino, 1/6)
The New York Times:
U.S. Is Blind To Contagious New Virus Variant, Scientists Warn
With no robust system to identify genetic variations of the coronavirus, experts warn that the United States is woefully ill-equipped to track a dangerous new mutant, leaving health officials blind as they try to combat the grave threat. The variant, which is now surging in Britain and burdening its hospitals with new cases, is rare for now in the United States. But it has the potential to explode in the next few weeks, putting new pressures on American hospitals, some of which are already near the breaking point. (Zimmer, 1/6)
AP:
Official: New Coronavirus Strain Likely In Nebraska
A new, more contagious strain of the coronavirus that has been discovered in five states is probably in Nebraska as well, but officials haven’t yet confirmed its presence, the state’s chief medical officer said Wednesday. Dr. Gary Anthone said the new strain is concerning because it could lead to an increase in hospitalizations in Nebraska. Anthone said the state’s public health lab is purchasing its own equipment to test for the mutated virus. The new strain has led to a national lockdown in England, and the virus has been detected in California, Florida, New York, Georgia, and neighboring Colorado. (Schulte, 1/6)
And on vaccine efficacy against the new variants —
Stat:
Scientists Monitor A Coronavirus Mutation That Could Affect Vaccine Strength
As scientists try to track the spread of a new, more infectious coronavirus variant around the world — finding more cases in the United States and elsewhere this week — they are also keeping an eye on a different mutation with potentially greater implications for how well Covid-19 vaccines work. The mutation, identified in a variant first seen in South Africa and separately seen in another variant in Brazil, changes a part of the virus that your immune system’s antibodies get trained to recognize after you’ve been infected or vaccinated. (Joseph, 1/7)
The Wall Street Journal:
Covid-19 Vaccines Expected To Work On South Africa Coronavirus Strain
A new variant of the coronavirus that is surging across South Africa may make the existing Covid-19 vaccines less effective, but is unlikely to be totally resistant to the shots, according to leading researchers who have studied the mutations and the vaccines. The variant, which has already shown up in patients in Europe and other African countries, has quickly become the predominant one in South Africa, exacerbating a second wave of infections that is overwhelming hospitals and has driven daily deaths to record highs. (Steinhauser, 1/6)
