COVID-19

Maryland Confirms First Case of Brazil COVID-19 Variant

The variant is of concern for scientists, since it's suspected to be more transmissible than the original strain of the virus

By Camille Furst • •

Michael Robinson Chavez/The Washington Post via Getty Images UPPER MARLBORO MD – FEBRUARY 5 Maryland Governor Larry Hogan and Prince Georges County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, center left, answer reporters questions at a mass vaccine site that opened for Maryland residents in the parking lot of Six Flags on February 5, 2021 in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. The Pfizer vaccine was made available to people who qualified for one of the 10,000 appointment slots made available. According to Governor Larry Hogan, who has been criticized for the states botched and confusing vaccine rollout, the appointments were all booked within 20 minutes. (Photo by Michael Robinson Chavez/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Maryland officials have confirmed the first coronavirus case caused by the P.1 variant from Brazil, according to Gov. Larry Hogan.

The Brazil variant is the third coronavirus variant of concern confirmed in Maryland. The U.K. variant, B.1.1.7, and the South African variant, B.1.351, were both confirmed in January as well.

The case was found in an adult older than 65 from the National Capital Region, who recently died following international travel, according to officials.

The variant is believed to be more transmissible than the initial strain that caused COVID-19, but it’s not known whether or not it causes a more severe illness.

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The U.S. confirmed its first case of the Brazil variant at the end of January. It is one of many that have caused concern among scientists around the world because of its transmissibility.

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“State public health officials are closely monitoring the P.1 variant, and we mourn the loss of this Marylander to COVID-19,” Hogan said.

While the person who contracted the Brazil variant traveled internationally, many cases of variants are identified in people who haven’t, according to officials.

Hogan urges everyone to continue social distancing, wearing masks and washing their hands regularly to protect themselves from the virus strains.

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