Health

44 cases of U.K. COVID-19 variant, 2 South African variants found in Mass.

BOSTON — The Department of Public Health confirmed that 44 cases of the U.K. COVID-19 variant and two cases of the South African COVID-19 variant have been found in Massachusetts.

This data is also reflected on the CDC’s website. The CDC has reported that the both the U.K. COVID-19 variant, called B.1.1.7, and the South African COVID-19 variant, called B.1.351, spread more easily and quickly than other variants.

However, studies suggest the antibodies produced through vaccination with currently authorized vaccines recognize these variants, according to the CDC.

The first known case of the South African variant in the state was a woman in her 20s in Middlesex County.

Cases of the U.K. COVID-19 variant have been increasing in the state since the first case was detected on Jan. 17. On Feb. 14, the DPH announced there were 29 total cases.

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