The Rock County Public Health Department is warning about new COVID-19 variants detected in the area.

Health Officer Katrina Hartwood reported the presence of the Brazil (P.1) and South African (B.1.351) mutations of the coronavirus.

The health department says these strains spread more quickly and easily than the original virus, but they are not currently associated with more severe illness.

Their genetic differences make it so the antibodies from a previous COVID-19 infection might not protect against the variants, and vaccinations could be less effective against them than the first coronavirus.

The UK strain of the virus (B.1.1.7) has also been previously detected.

Health officials want to remind residents of the importance of masks and social distancing in public places with these variants in the community.