The alpha variant was first identified in the United Kingdom. The variant's attributes include 50% increased transmission, potential increased severity, (based on hospitalizations and case fatality rates). No impact on susceptibility to emergency use authorization (EUA) monoclonal antibody treatments. Minimal impact on neutralization by convalescent and post-vaccination sera.
The CDC has identified four "variants of concern," which are variants whose mutations significantly alter the virus’s ability to infect cells, enhance viral transmissibility, or cause more severe illness. These include alpha, beta, gamma, and delta.