Infographic – States Reporting SARS-CoV-2 Variants

Click on image for full-size view (Statista)

13 Feb. 2021. There’s both good and bad news about Covid-19 in the U.S. While case counts, hospitalizations, and deaths are declining and the vaccination rate is increasing, more infectious mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for Covid-19 infections are also appearing. The business research company Statista published a chart this week showing in which states cases of those viral variations are reported, based on data compiled as of 9 Feb. by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The most widespread variant so far in the U.S. is B.1.1.7, first discovered in the U.K. B.1.1.7 is more easily transmitted than the original SARS-CoV-2, by 35 to 45 percent, and according to reports from the U.K., also more lethal. So far, according to the CSC, B.1.1.7 cases are reported in 34 of the 50 states and D.C., with the most cases reported in Florida and California.

Another variant, B.1.35 that first became known in South Africa, is reported in three states: Virginia, Maryland, and South Carolina. Cases of a third variant, P.1 first reported in Brazil, are found in Minnesota and Oklahoma. So far, 14 states do not report any of these mutations.

Early data, mainly from lab tests and some clinical trials, show the leading vaccines largely protect against B.1.1.7, but are less effective against B.1.35. Little, if any data, are yet reported for the vaccines protecting against P.1. Because the variants are more easily transmitted, vaccinations are becoming more urgent. And health authorities may need to prepare annual vaccine updates or boosters to protect against SARS-CoV-2, much like seasonal flu vaccines.

More from Science & Enterprise:

• Infographic – U.S. Covid-19 Shots on the Rise
• Infographic – More Eager for Covid-19 Vaccine
• Infographic – US Public Down on Vaccine Rollout

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