2nd COVID variant strain detected in Wisconsin
This 2020 electron microscope image provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Rocky Mountain Laboratories shows SARS-CoV-2 virus particles which cause COVID-19, isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells cultured in a lab. Viruses are constantly mutating, with coronavirus variants circulating around the globe.[AP/ NIAID-RML]
Friday, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced it had identified a second variant strain of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
DHS said variant strain differs from the one identified in the state on Jan. 12. That variant strain was first detected in the United Kingdom.
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The newest strain was first discovered in South Africa.
The health department said studies show the variant spreads more rapidly and easily than the original strain, and early evidence suggests the Moderna vaccine may be less effective against this variant. However, studies are still ongoing.