Multiple Coronavirus Variants are Circulating Globally

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported (76) cases of the SARS-CoV-2 betacornavirus B.1.1.7 lineage in the USA, as of January 13, 2021. The states of California and Florida have reported the most variant cases.

The CDC stated there are multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants currently circulating globally, such as the following:

In the United Kingdom (UK), the variant called B.1.1.7 emerged with an unusually large number of mutations. This variant spreads more easily and quickly than other variants. This variant was first detected in September 2020 and is now highly prevalent in London and southeast England.

In South Africa, another variant called 1.351 has emerged independently of the UK's variant. This variant originally detected in early October 2020, shares some mutations with the UK's variant. There have been cases caused by this variant outside of South Africa, but it has not been detected in the USA.

In Brazil, P.1 emerged and was identified during routine screening at Haneda airport outside Tokyo, Japan. This variant contains additional mutations that may affect its ability to be recognized by antibodies. This variant has not been detected in the USA.

These variants seem to spread more easily and quickly than other variants, leading to more cases of COVID-19. Currently, there is no evidence that these variants cause more severe illness or increased risk of death, said the CDC on January 15, 2021.