New COVID Variant Discovered in Hawai‘i

The Hawai‘i Department of Health’s State Laboratories Division (SLD) confirms the presence of a new COVID variant in Hawai‘i.

The P.2 variant, which contains the E484K mutation, was detected in one individual who lives on O‘ahu through surveillance testing.

“That individual recently traveled to the US mainland,” said Acting State Epidemiologist Sarah Kemble. “That person is in isolation and known close contacts are in quarantine.”

While the implications of this additional strain are unknown at this time, DOH officials say they are watching the new variant is closely due to two individuals in Brazil who were previously infected with COVID were reinfected with the P.2 variant.

It is unclear whether this variant is more resistant to vaccines and antibodies gained through previous COVID infection.

“New case counts are down from a month ago, but these variants remind us to remain vigilant,” said State Health Director Elizabeth Char. “The more the virus is able to infect people, the more opportunity it has to mutate, so it behooves us to prevent infections. We all know that is done by wearing masks, maintaining physical distance, avoiding large gatherings, and getting vaccinated when it is our turn.”

While the P.2 variant is still being studied, people previously vaccinated or previously infected are not expected to become seriously ill if infected with the P.2 variant. The P.2 variant is thought to have originated in Brazil. It has been found in several mainland states and Europe.

Another variant of concern is associated with an increase of COVID cases on Maui. The B1429 variant, previously called L452R, was first detected in Hawai‘i almost four weeks ago. On Feb. 2, 2021, the Department of Health (DOH) announced seven known cases on O‘ahu, one case on Kaua‘i, and one case on Maui.

The B1429 variant was first detected in California in December. It has become the dominant strain in California and is found in more than 40 other states. The B1429 variant may be more transmissible than other COVID strains but there is still much to learn about this variant, and it is still considered “under investigation” by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is not clear how effective current vaccines are against B1429.

Also, three additional cases of the B117 variant are confirmed on O‘ahu. This brings the total number of B117 cases in Hawai‘i to six. All six are on O‘ahu and are household contacts.

“The P2, B1429, and B117 variants were discovered as part of proactive statewide surveillance conducted by the DOH in collaboration with private hospitals and independent clinical laboratories,” said State Laboratories Division Director Dr. Edward Desmond.