Coronavirus mutations worldwide are multiplying at an alarming rate – according to the world media, the original and “British” COVID-19 strains have already been joined by a “Brazilian” and two “American” strains.

Scientists at Ohio University in the US have discovered two new strains of the coronavirus – one similar to the “British” strain, while the other has a different genetic code but is also more infectious. The first has only recently been identified in Ohio, and scientists cannot yet say how widespread it has become. The second became prevalent in the city of Columbus in late December and early January.

The discovery of the “Brazilian” strain of coronavirus was reported by Japanese authorities: a new type of COVID-19 was detected in two adults and two children who flew from the Brazilian state of Amazonas to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport. The virus probably originated in Rio de Janeiro.