This CDC illustration shows ultrastructural morphology exhibited by coronaviruses. Note the spikes that adorn the outer surface of the virus, which impart the look of a corona surrounding the virion, when viewed electron microscopically. | Alissa Eckert and Dan Higgins/CDC
This CDC illustration shows ultrastructural morphology exhibited by coronaviruses. Note the spikes that adorn the outer surface of the virus, which impart the look of a corona surrounding the virion, when viewed electron microscopically. | Alissa Eckert and Dan Higgins/CDC
The B.1.1.7. variant is a mutated strain of COVID-19 originating from the United Kingdom, and now, the Illinois Department of Public Health is increasing the amount of genomic sequence testing of coronavirus case specimens in the state, to determine if anyone is infected.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are at least 52 confirmed cases of the mutated coronavirus strain in California, New York, Colorado, Georgia, and Florida but that number only represents the reported cases, not the actual number of people who are infected.
Virus mutations are normal according to Dr. Ngozi Ezike, Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, who also advises there is no evidence the new strain is deadlier, according to KFVS 12 News.
Illinois Department of Public health Director Ngozi O. Ezike
| dph.illinois.gov
"...Early studies show the variant may spread more easily and quickly," Dr. Ezike told KFVS 12 News.
"We will continue to work with academic partners, laboratory researchers, physicians, and the CDC to monitor for cases.”
Many of the cases reported have not been linked to travel which means there's a possibility of community spread, according to KFVS 12 News.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases told Newsweek, the mutant coronavirus variant is more widespread in the U.S. than health officials realize, and it should be taken seriously.
"...If you have greater transmissibility, you will get more cases (and) when you get more cases, you get more hospitalizations," Dr. Fauci told Newsweek.
"...When you get more hospitalizations, you ultimately wind up getting more deaths."
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