In the national spotlight for an unwanted reason, Minnesota health officials on Monday confirmed the first U.S. case of the coronavirus strain known as the Brazil P.1 variant.
Little is known about the variant that has wreaked havoc in Brazil, but there are some early findings from health leaders to suggest some possibilities.
Here's a list of things health officials believe they know about the P.1 variant.
- It was first discovered in Brazil as far back as last July.
- It is now confirmed in the Minnesota, Peru, Germany, South Korea and Japan.
- Its spike protein mutation helps it better attach to cells, meaning it's likely more transmissible.
- It might be capable of reinfecting people who previously had the original SARS-CoV-2 strain.