As of Jan. 28, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed that all three of these strains have made their way into the United States. The U.K. strain has been spreading in the U.S. the longest, since the end of December, with 315 cases detected so far. As a result, the CDC predicts that—combined with it being 50 percent more transmissible than the previous dominant strain—it will become the dominant variant in the U.S. by March. As for the South African and Brazilian strains, only a few cases of each have been found in the country so far—but those numbers are likely to grow. Read on to find out how many cases of the new strains have been found in your state so far, according to the CDC’s data as of Jan. 28. (Note: If your state isn’t included, no new variants have been reported there yet.) And if you’re worried about the new strains, If You Have These 4 Symptoms, You Might Have the New COVID Strain. Total number of U.K. strain cases: 1 Total number of South African strain cases: 0 Total number of Brazilian strain cases: 0 Alaska only recently discovered the B.1.1.7 variant within its borders. According to a statement released Jan. 26 by the Alaska Department of Health and Social services, the infected individual tested positive for COVID last month, but their sample was just identified by Alaska’s Public Health Laboratories. The person who tested positive for the U.K. strain had “recently visited a state where the variant has already been detected,” the department pointed out. Total number of U.K. strain cases: 92 Total number of South African strain cases: 0 Total number of Brazilian strain cases: 0 At the beginning of January, California only had six confirmed cases of the U.K. coronavirus strain; now, there are 92, according to the CDC. The first California case was identified on Dec. 30 in a San Diego County man in his 30s who had no recent history of travel. More cases have since been confirmed in San Diego County, as well as in San Bernardino County and Los Angeles County, the Los Angeles Times reports. “The presence of the U.K. variant in Los Angeles County is troubling, as our healthcare system is already severely strained with more than 7,500 people currently hospitalized,” Los Angeles County public health director Barbara Ferrer said in a statement on Jan. 16. “This more contagious variant makes it easier for infections to spread at worksites, at stores, and in our homes.” And if you’re trying to stay safe, Dr. Fauci Says You Need One of These at Home to Avoid COVID. Total number of U.K. strain cases: 9 Total number of South African strain cases: 0 Total number of Brazilian strain cases: 0 The first reported case of the U.K. variant in the U.S. was found in Colorado in late December. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reported on Dec. 30 that the strain was identified in a man in his 20s who was isolated in Elbert County. This man had no prior travel history, leading Gov. Jared Polis to surmise that although his case was the first identified, it was unlikely that he was the first in the country to contract it. Since Colorado’s initial discovery, eight other cases of the variant have been found in the state, according to the CDC. Total number of U.K. strain cases: 8 Total number of South African strain cases: 0 Total number of Brazilian strain cases: 0 Connecticut confirmed the state’s first two cases of the U.K. variant in individuals between the ages of 15 and 25, according to a series of tweets from Gov. Ned Lamont on Jan. 7. Both of these infected individuals reside in New Haven County, and they both traveled outside of Connecticut recently—one to Ireland and the other to New York. According to the CDC, six more cases have since been found in the state. And for more up-to-date COVID news sent right to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter. Total number of U.K. strain cases: 92 Total number of South African strain cases: 0 Total number of Brazilian strain cases: 0 Florida was one of the first states to identify the U.K. coronavirus variant. On Dec. 31, the Florida Department of Health announced that a man in his 20s in Martin Country came down with the new strain, despite having no recent history of travel. Now, per the CDC, Florida has at least 92 cases of this new variant. Total number of U.K. strain cases: 14ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb Total number of South African strain cases: 0 Total number of Brazilian strain cases: 0 Georgia first identified the U.K. variant within its borders on Jan. 5. According to the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH), the strain was discovered in an 18-year-old man who had no recent travel history. Now, the state has 14 cases, according to the CDC. “The emergence of this variant in our state should be a wake-up call for all Georgians,” DPH Commissioner Kathleen E. Toomey, MD, said in a statement. “Even as we begin roll out of a COVID-19 vaccine, we must not let down our guard and ignore basic prevention measures—wear a mask, social distance and wash your hands frequently.” And to make sure you’re prepared for your shot, know that If You Take These OTC Meds, You Have to Stop Before Getting the Vaccine. Total number of U.K. strain cases: 9 Total number of South African strain cases: 0 Total number of Brazilian strain cases: 0 A joint report released by the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) confirmed Illinois’ first case of the U.K. strain on Jan. 15. According to the report, the CDPH found that the infected person had traveled to both the U.K. and the Middle East 14 days prior to their diagnosis. Since then, eight more cases have been discovered in the state—all from Cook County in individuals ages 12 to 63, as reported by the Chicago Tribune. Total number of U.K. strain cases: 4 Total number of South African strain cases: 0 Total number of Brazilian strain cases: 0 Indiana identified the new U.K. COVID strain on Jan. 11, as confirmed by a statement from the state’s health department. According to the CDC, the state has since identified three additional cases of the variant. “It’s common for viruses to mutate, and we are seeing that occur with COVID-19,” State Health Commissioner Kris Box, MD, said in the health department’s statement. “Because this strain of the virus can be transmitted more easily, it’s more important than ever that Hoosiers continue to wear their masks, practice social distancing, maintain good hygiene and get vaccinated when they are eligible.” And for more on how the virus could affect you, If You Have This in Your Blood, You May Be Safe From COVID, Study Says. Total number of U.K. strain cases: 2 Total number of South African strain cases: 0 Total number of Brazilian strain cases: 0 Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced the state’s first two cases of the U.K. variant on Jan. 27, as reported by the Louisville Courier Journal. Steven Stack, MD, commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health, later confirmed that the two individuals were both from Kenton County. “The way [the U.K. variant] spreads, I think we should assume it’s moved beyond those individuals,” Beshear warned. Total number of U.K. strain cases: 1 Total number of South African strain cases: 0 Total number of Brazilian strain cases: 0 The Louisiana Department of Health confirmed the state’s first case of the U.K. variant on Jan. 16 in an individual based in the Greater New Orleans area. “It was always a matter of time before this new strain of the virus would reach Louisiana, which is why our state health experts have been monitoring cases and working with the CDC to prepare. There is no such thing as taking this too seriously,” Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said in a statement. And for more on how your state is faring with cases overall, This Is How Bad the COVID Outbreak Is in Your State. Total number of U.K. strain cases: 4 Total number of South African strain cases: 0 Total number of Brazilian strain cases: 0 Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan confirmed on Jan. 12 that two Maryland residents had tested positive for the U.K. COVID strain. These two cases came from a married couple living in the same household in Anne Arundel County. Before the couple’s infection, one spouse did travel internationally, Hogan noted. Since then, the CDC has reported two more cases in the state. Total number of U.K. strain cases: 3 Total number of South African strain cases: 0 Total number of Brazilian strain cases: 0 The Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed the state’s first B.1.1.7 variant case on Jan. 17, identifying the individual as a woman from Boston in her 20s who had traveled to the U.K. and became sick the day after she returned. A second case was identified in a man in his 20s from Worcester County, the Associated Press reported. Recently, the CDC confirmed that a third case had been discovered. And for insight into your chances of having a severe case of coronavirus, If You’ve Done This, You’re Twice as Likely to Develop Severe COVID. Total number of U.K. strain cases: 17 Total number of South African strain cases: 0 Total number of Brazilian strain cases: 0 The first Michigan resident to test positive for the U.K. variant was an adult woman living in Washtenaw County, as reported Jan. 16 by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of Laboratories. According to the Detroit Free Press, 16 other cases have been found between Washtenaw County and Wayne County, 13 of which have been tied to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Total number of U.K. strain cases: 8 Total number of South African strain cases: 0 Total number of Brazilian strain cases: 1 Minnesota has two different variants within its borders. Most recently, on Jan. 25, the Minnesota State Health Department announced that the Brazilian strain had been found in one resident in the Twin Cities metro area who had recent travel history to Brazil. According to the CDC, this was the first and, so far, only reported case of that variant in the U.S. Earlier in the month, the Minnesota State Health Department announced five cases of the U.K. variant, also within the Twin Cities metro area. The CDC has since confirmed three more cases of the U.K. strain in the state. And if you’re worried about getting sick, know that These 3 Things Could Prevent Almost All COVID Cases, Study Finds. Total number of U.K. strain cases: 1 Total number of South African strain cases: 0 Total number of Brazilian strain cases: 0 Nevada has detected one case of the U.K. variant so far. According to a statement from the Nevada State Public Health Laboratory on Jan. 25, director Mark Pandori, PhD, said the strain was found from a symptomatic woman in her 30s, with an address in Las Vegas. “It is copying itself a lot right now, which can lead to mutating,” Pandori explained. “The more a virus spreads in a community, the more opportunities it has to make mistakes when it copies itself. This leads to what we see here and it’s a very natural part of viral evolution.” Total number of U.K. strain cases: 2 Total number of South African strain cases: 0 Total number of Brazilian strain cases: 0 New Jersey health officials confirmed the state’s first two cases of the U.K. variant during a press conference on Jan. 22. According to Health Commissioner Judy Persichill, RN, the first case was identified in a man in his 60s from Ocean County who had no history of travel. The other was a young child staying in northern New Jersey, who tested positive for COVID on Jan. 11 in New York City. And if you’re worried you might be sick, discover The Surprising Way to Tell If You Have COVID Before Your Symptoms Start. Total number of U.K. strain cases: 2 Total number of South African strain cases: 0 Total number of Brazilian strain cases: o On Jan. 13, New Mexico identified its first case of the U.K. coronavirus strain. According to the New Mexico Department of Health, a man in his 60s who recently traveled to the U.K. in December tested positive for the B.1.1.7 coronavirus variant. “He is currently recovering from very mild illness; no hospitalization was required,” the health department said in a statement. Since then, the CDC has reported one other case in the state. Total number of U.K. strain cases: 22 Total number of South African strain cases: 0 Total number of Brazilian strain cases: 0 New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the state’s first discovery of the U.K. strain on Jan. 4. The variant was found in a man from upstate, who worked for N. Fox Jewelers in Saratoga Springs. On Jan. 20, Cuomo revealed that 21 additional cases of the variant had been identified in the state. Several more cases were related to the jewelry store in Saratoga County, and other cases have been found in Warren County and Suffolk County. And if you’re trying to stay safe, beware that This One Type of Face Mask Is “Unacceptable,” Warns the Mayo Clinic. Total number of U.K. strain cases: 1 Total number of South African strain cases: 0 Total number of Brazilian strain cases: 0 The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reported the first case of the U.K. variant in the state on Jan. 23. According to a statement from the department, the strain was identified in an adult in Mecklenburg County. However, no more information about the case was released to “protect the privacy of the individual,” the department said. Total number of U.K. strain cases: 1 Total number of South African strain cases: 0 Total number of Brazilian strain cases: 0 Oregon confirmed on Jan. 15 that one person in the state had tested positive for the U.K. strain, according to a report released by the Oregon Health Authority and Department of Human Services. The individual is a Multnomah County resident who has no known travel history. “Confirming this strain locally is distressing,” Multnomah County Health Officer Jennifer Vines, MD, said in a statement. “Until we have enough vaccine, we must continue using face masks, distancing, and limiting our social interactions.” Total number of U.K. strain cases: 5 Total number of South African strain cases: 0 Total number of Brazilian strain cases: 0 Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Health Rachel Levine, MD, confirmed that an individual from Dauphin County had tested positive for the U.K. COVID variant after known international exposure. In a statement on Jan. 7, Levine said that the state “has been preparing for this variant” by sending samples for genetic sequencing biweekly to the CDC since November. Since that first case, the CDC has reported that four more have been identified in the state. Total number of U.K. strain cases: 0 Total number of South African strain cases: 2 Total number of Brazilian strain cases: 0 The state of South Carolina has not yet reported any cases of the U.K. or Brazilian strains, but it has recently become the first state in the country to identify the South African strain. According to a statement from South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) on Jan. 28, two cases of the South African variant were found in the state. Both cases are in adults, one living in the Lowcountry and one from the Pee Dee region. Neither of the adults have any known travel history, and there is no connection between the cases, DHEC reported. And for the latest vaccine news you need to know, check out why If You’re Over 65, You Shouldn’t Get This New Vaccine, Experts Warn. Total number of U.K. strain cases: 2 Total number of South African strain cases: 0 Total number of Brazilian strain cases: 0 The CDC has reported two cases of the U.K. variant in Tennessee. According to the Johnson City Press, the state’s first two cases were identified on Jan. 21, but it was not reported where the cases occurred. “Viruses constantly change and new variants are expected to occur over time,” Health Department spokesman Bill Christian said. “This does not change our response to COVID-19 in Tennessee, but serves as a reminder of the need for continued vigilance and practice of simple actions we can all take to prevent further spread of COVID-19: wash hands frequently, limit gatherings, maintain social distance, wear a mask in public and get vaccinated when you qualify to do so.” Total number of U.K. strain cases: 7 Total number of South African strain cases: 0 Total number of Brazilian strain cases: 0 A Harris County resident in his 30s with no recent travel history was the first confirmed case of the U.K. strain in Texas, according to the Texas Department State Health Services (DSHS). “The fact that this person had no travel history suggests this variant is already circulating in Texas,” DSHS Commissioner John Hellerstedt, MD, said in a statement on Jan. 7. “This should make us all redouble our commitment to the infection prevention practices that we know work: masks any time you’re around people you don’t live with, social distancing, and personal and environmental hygiene.” The state has since identified six other cases of the B.1.1.7. variant, per the CDC. And for one key way to tell if you’re in trouble, If You Notice This in Your Mouth, You Could Have COVID, Experts Warn. Total number of U.K. strain cases: 1 Total number of South African strain cases: 0 Total number of Brazilian strain cases: 0 On Jan. 15, the Utah Department of Health (UDOH) confirmed the state’s first case of the U.K. variant. The patient is a 25-44 year old man from Salt Lake County who tested positive last month. He had not traveled outside of Utah and experienced only mild symptoms. The U.K. variant was identified through the Utah Public Health Laboratory’s ongoing genetic sequencing of positive COVID-19 samples. “We fully anticipated we would find this strain in Utah,” Angela Dunn, MD, state epidemiologist at the UDOH, said in a statement. “We know this strain is more transmissible than previous COVID-19 variants, and our hospitals continue to operate near or over capacity. So now more than ever, Utah residents need to wear masks, practice physical distancing, and avoid large gatherings.” Total number of U.K. strain cases: 1 Total number of South African strain cases: 0 Total number of Brazilian strain cases: 0 The Virginia Department of Health confirmed the state’s first case of the B.1.1.7 variant on Jan. 25. According to a statement from the department, the strain was found in an adult resident of Northern Virginia who had no recent travel history. “Viruses change all the time, and we expect to see new strains as disease spreads,” State Health Commissioner M. Norman Oliver, MD, said in a statement. “We know this variant strain spreads more quickly between people than other strains currently circulating in our communities, but we still have more to learn about whether it causes more severe illness. As our state public health officials closely monitor the emergence of the B.1.1.7 variant in our Commonwealth, it is important that all Virginians continue following mitigation measures.” Total number of U.K. strain cases: 3 Total number of South African strain cases: 0 Total number of Brazilian strain cases: 0 The Washington State Department of Health announced the state’s first two confirmed cases of the U.K. strain on Jan. 23. According to a statement from the department, these two cases come from two Snohomish County residents. “Now that this variant has been found, it underscores the absolute importance of doubling down on all the prevention measures to protect Washingtonians against COVID-19,” said Secretary of Health Umair A. Shah, MD. The CDC has since reported one more case in the state. And if you’re worried about catching the virus, know that You’re More Likely to Get COVID From Someone Doing This Than From Coughing. Total number of U.K. strain cases: 1 Total number of South African strain cases: 0 Total number of Brazilian strain cases: 0 A Jan. 13 statement from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) confirmed that the state had identified the U.K. variant “through ongoing surveillance and whole genome sequencing,” the department said. However, the DHS declined to reveal how many patient samples were found with the strain or where the case(s) had been located within the state, The Journal Times reported. According to the CDC, one case has been confirmed. Total number of U.K. strain cases: 2 Total number of South African strain cases: 0 Total number of Brazilian strain cases: 0 Per an announcement from the Wyoming Department of Health on Jan. 16, the state’s first confirmed case of the U.K. variant was in an adult male in Teton County. The department said that “early information suggests exposure to the virus variant occurred locally.” Since then, the CDC has reported one more case in the state. And to make sure you’re staying safe, The CDC Warns Against Using These 6 Face Masks. Editor’s note: A previous version of this post erroneously included Nebraska as having identified the U.K. variant, based on information on the CDC website on Jan. 15. It has since been removed from this list.
