New COVID-19 Strain Detected in Brazil

Brazilian medical authorities announced detecting a new COVID-19 strain called P.12 in Rio De Janeiro, The Rio Times reported on Friday.

The new variant is a mutation from the late P1. that emerged in the state a few months ago.

State Health Secretariat highlighted: “The new variant was found mainly in the North Region, but also in samples in the Metropolitan, Center and Baixada Litorânea regions."

It added: "So far, it is not possible to assess whether it is more transmissible and/or lethal."

It was also discovered during research conducted by national labs to identify the most circulating state including the P1.

Secretary of State for Health, Alexandre Chieppe underscored: "Sequencing is very important to verify the incidence of new strains in the population of Rio de Janeiro, and in this way, to anticipate possible scenarios, in order to minimize the effects of the pandemic in our state."

The upcoming steps include identifying the rate of infection and transmission of the newly found strain.