Florida leads the nation in reported cases of COVID-19 variant, CDC says

ORLANDO, Fla. — Florida is leading all other states in reported cases of COVID-19 caused by variant strains of the virus.

According to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released Monday, there were at least 46 cases reported in Florida, more than double what was recorded in the agency’s previous report.

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California is second on the list with 40 reported cases. Colorado is the only other state that’s reported more than five cases, according to the CDC’s data.

Scientists have discovered at least four variants of the COVID-19 virus in the United Kingdom, South Africa, Nigeria, and Japan.

As of Monday, the UK mutation was the only strain present in Florida.

Scientists made the discovery by looking at the makeup of the virus and breaking down the code.

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The Florida Department of Health says they’re working closely with the CDC to support that type of sequencing in those cases reported in the state.

They have not identified the counties where the variant cases have been found.

Cox Media Group