S.C. Reports 1st U.S. Cases of South African Variant

Health officials say virus variant from South Africa has been found in two cases in South Carolina.

(January 28, 2021) – A new coronavirus variant identified in South Africa has made its way to the United States.  South Carolina health officials are reporting two cases involving adults in the eastern part of the state.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the variant, which is known as B 1.351, is thought to be more contagious and can easily spread.

Officials did not provide more details about the two South Carolina cases, citing privacy concerns.  But it is believed the two persons had no known travel history and are not connected to each other.