1st case of Brazilian COVID-19 variant detected in Arizona, officials say

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An image of the coronavirus.

PHOENIX - Officials with the Arizona Department of Health Services say a COVID-19 variant strain that spreads at a faster rate has been detected in Arizona.

According to a statement released on March 12, AZDHS, along with the Yuma County Health Services District and TGen, reported that the P1 strain of COVID-19, also known as the Brazilian variant, was detected in three test samples from the state.

"According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this variant of SARS-CoV-2, which spreads at a faster rate, was first detected in the U.S. at the end of January; however, studies suggest that the vaccines currently authorized for use are effective against it," read a portion of the statement.

Officials say it is not known how widely the variant may have spread in Arizona, and AZDHS is working with others to monitor the situation.

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COVID-19 symptoms

Symptoms for coronavirus COVID-19 include fever, coughing, and shortness of breath. These, of course, are similar to the common cold and flu.

Expect a common cold to start out with a sore or scratchy throat, cough, runny and/or stuffy nose. Flu symptoms are more intense and usually come on suddenly, and can include a high fever.

Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear more slowly. They usually include fever, a dry cough and noticeable shortness of breath, according to the World Health Organization. A minority of cases develop pneumonia, and the disease is especially worrisome for the elderly and those with other medical problems such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes or heart conditions.