U.S. finds first cases of South African COVID-19 variant, in South Carolina

The United States has found its first cases of a potent coronavirus variant first detected in South Africa, health officials in the state of South Carolina said on Thursday. Viruses mutate frequently, and several mutated viruses have been identified. The presence of the South African variant in the United States is especially concerning because several laboratory studies have shown that it reduces vaccine effectiveness.

Another concern, according to the nominee for U.S. surgeon general, is that the South African variant could require larger doses of antibody for treatment.