By Fauci Warns Infectious UK Covid-19 Variant Could Become Dominant US Virus
Topline
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the U.S.’ top infectious disease official, told CNN that there is a risk the infectious variant of Covid-19 originally identified in the U.K. “might become dominant” in the United States, as he urged Americans to get vaccinated and follow public health advice to contain its spread.
Key Facts
Fauci, who has led the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for nearly four decades and now serves as President Biden’s chief medical adviser, said the U.K. variant “seems to be very efficient in spreading from person to person.”
Studies have shown that the variant, known as B.1.1.7, is significantly more infectious than existing strains and potentially more deadly.
Rapid vaccination and following public health measures such as social distancing and handwashing are the only ways to prevent new variants becoming dominant, Fauci said.
“We have a possibility, and the capability, of trying to stop them from becoming dominant,” Fauci added.
So far, 611 cases of B.1.1.7 have been reported in 33 states, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with Florida and California standing out as particular hotspots. Read Full Article >
