South Carolina Detects First US Cases of South Africa's COVID Variant

South Carolina Detects First US Cases of South Africa's COVID Variant.

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control says two cases of the more contagious coronavirus strain have been confirmed in the state.

There is no known connection or travel history between the two cases.

The arrival of the SARS-CoV-2 variant in our state is an important reminder to all South Carolinians that the fight against this deadly virus is far from over, Dr. Brannon Traxler, the health department's interim public health director, via statement.

According to the World Health Organization, the variant, also known as B.1.351, has been confirmed in over 30 other countries.

The CDC released a statement, saying, "we have no evidence that infections by this variant cause more severe disease.".

Experts believe current COVID-19 vaccines should still be effective against coronavirus variants