MADISON (NBC 26) — A third variant of COVID-19 has been found in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Department of Health Services said it confirmed a third variant strain of SARS-CoV-2 on Thursday. The newest variant, P.1, was first discovered in four travelers from Brazil who were tested at an airport near Tokyo, Japan, in early January.
P.1 differs from other variants, B.1.1.7 and B.1.351, which have both previously been confirmed in Wisconsin.
DHS said Friday that researchers have found that this new strain, similar to the other variants, spreads more rapidly and easily than the original strain of SARS-CoV-2. DHS also says variant P.1 may be able to more easily infect people.
Click here to learn more about the variant.