An infectious disease specialist at Rochester Regional Health says a mutation similar to the South African and Brazilian mutations of the coronavirus has been found in Monroe County.
Dr. Emil Lesho said in a news briefing that five samples from four different patients taken between late December and early February showed a mutation similar — but not identical — to the two known COVID variants.
The mutant strains raise concerns that they could lead to a more virulent form of the pandemic virus. He says it’s also not a surprise, as this is what viruses do.
Dr. Lesho said it’s important to continue wearing masks, social distancing and hand washing, and to get vaccinated as soon as possible.