What Is the Alpha Variant?
What to Know About This COVID-19 Mutation, Also Known as the B.1.1.7 Variant
All contagions develop mutations and variants, and COVID-19 is no different. Since the launch of the COVID-19 epidemic, multiple variants of the contagion have grown. One of these variants is B.1.1.7, initially found in the United Kingdom in September 2020. Also known as the alpha variant, the B.1.1.7 variant was once the dominant strain in the United States.
Where Alpha Has Spread Worldwide
Global Spread of B.1.1.7
The B.1.1.7 variant has spread to at least 169 countries, including the United States. Initially, infected travelers from the United Kingdom spread the contagion to other countries. Despite the B.1.1.7 variant’s spread, the Delta variant (B.1.617.2) is the dominant strain in most European countries.
Spread in the United States
The alpha variant was initially found in the United States in December 2020, with the first case identified in Colorado. As of July 17, 2021, the ten states with the highest percentage of the alpha variant among COVID-19 cases were:
- Louisiana
- Tennessee
- Minnesota
- Washington
- Virginia
- South Carolina
- Georgia
- North Carolina
- Texas
- Alabama
The variant has now been found in every state. Although it was formerly the dominant cause of new COVID-19 infections in the United States, the Delta variant (B.1.617.2) now accounts for over 95% of new cases.
Is Alpha More Contagious?
The alpha variant has been found to be at least 50% more contagious than the original COVID-19 contagion. The infectiousness of a contagion is measured by a reproduction number—called R0—which measures the number of people an infected person might give the contagion to. For instance, if the R0 is 2, an infected individual will likely give it to four other people. An R0 of 10 means an infected person is expected to transmit it to fifty people. While the exact R0 for the alpha variant is unknown, globally, the R0 for COVID-19 increases by at least 45% to 50% with the alpha variant, significantly boosting transmission rates.
Preventing Transmission
Preventive measures to help the transmission of the alpha variant B.1.1.7 are the same as for the original COVID-19 contagion and should continue to be followed. Precautions include:
- Staying 6 feet apart from individuals outside your household.
- Wearing a mask that protects your mouth and nose.
- Using hand sanitizer or washing your hands frequently.
If fully vaccinated, the CDC has released guidelines stating it is safe to go without a face mask and physical distancing in places where neither federal nor state requirements mandate them. Good hand hygiene remains recommended.
Risk of Reinfection
A study conducted in the United Kingdom did not demonstrate increased rates of COVID-19 reinfection related to the alpha variant.
Is Alpha More Severe?
Initially, the alpha variant was thought to pose an increased death threat. However, in a study published in April 2021, researchers found that the alpha variant was not associated with a higher risk of symptoms, severe complaints, or death. The CDC, however, notes that there is possibly increased severity based on hospitalization and case fatality rates.
Will Vaccines Work Against Alpha?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech remain broadly effective against the alpha variant B.1.1.7. Vaccines produced in other countries, especially in western Europe, also appear effective against this variant. Results of one study show that the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is 93% effective against the alpha variant. Another study (pending peer review) indicates that the Moderna vaccine offers similar protection.
Currently, there is limited information on the Johnson & Johnson vaccine’s effectiveness against the B.1.1.7 variant. However, Johnson & Johnson reports that its vaccine generates neutralizing antibodies against a range of COVID-19 variants, including alpha.
Are Children More at Risk for Alpha?
Research from the United Kingdom has shown increased numbers of children and young adults infected with the alpha variant. However, this does not mean that children are at higher risk of infection. Studies have found that infected children often experience mild or no symptoms at all. There is no evidence to suggest an increased risk of severe disease or hospitalization in children.
Conclusion
Globally, experts remain concerned about the spread of the COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7. As this variant is more contagious, it spreads quickly. Following preventive measures recommended by the CDC and receiving a vaccine when available is crucial to reducing the spread of B.1.1.7 and other COVID-19 variants.
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