UK and South African Covid-19 variants found in Rwanda

Rwanda has detected 12 cases of coronavirus variants first detected in South Africa and the United Kingdom, the health minister announced on Sunday.

Daniel Ngamije said in a televised address that cases were found among international visitors recently entering the country.

Two cases were confirmed with the UK variant, while 10 others tested positive for the South African strain, he said.

“To date, there is no confirmation if the variants are spreading in the local community... the travellers have been isolated to contain the spread."

The #COVID19 vaccination campaign kicked off successfully. I thank Rwandans for their patience as we work to vaccinate everyone in the months ahead. In the meantime, please continue observing all prevention measures. #VaccinesSaveLives

— Dr. Ngamije Daniel (@DrDanielNgamije) March 5, 2021

He said the 12 patients had fully recovered and not infected others as they were isolated.

Ngamije said health officials are still monitoring the situation.

Why do viruses mutate?

There are currently three new variants of Covid-19, one detected in the United Kingdom, one in South Africa and one in Brazil.

The variants appear to spread more easily and quickly among people, which has caused a surge in infections. There are also concerns as to if current vaccines will be as effective but scientists have said the current vaccines should still work against them.

Viruses naturally mutate over time and as they spread they make copies of themselves and are a little different from the one before.

Rwanda has confirmed 20,828 cases and 290 deaths, according to the World Health Organization.

More than 334,000 people in Rwanda have been vaccinated against the disease.