State confirms first known case of Brazilian virus variant

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma health officials say that a new variant of the coronavirus, believed to have first mutated in Brazil, has been confirmed in the state.

State epidemiologist Jared Taylor says the Brazil P.1 variant was detected in a woman with a history of traveling out of state. He says the woman is no longer infectious and that at least one member of the woman’s household also tested positive for coronavirus.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Brazilian variant contains a set of mutations that may affect its ability to be recognized by antibodies. Taylor says it’s “highly probable” that one or more variants are circulating in Oklahoma.

Scientists have warned that allowing viruses to spread gives them more chances to mutate from person to person and say that containing the virus and these new variants is critical to preventing other variants from developing.