Twenty-five more cases of a COVID-19 variant first discovered in the United Kingdom that is believed to be more transmissible have been found in Illinois in the past seven days, according to data released Thursday by the Illinois Department of Public Health.

In all, 94 cases involving the variant, known as B.1.1.7, have been found in samples of COVID-19 positive tests from Illinois since Jan. 15, officials said.

That is an increase of 36% since March 4, according to the data.

In the past seven days, officials also identified another case of the P.1 variant first discovered in Brazil, which is also believed to be more transmissible. The first case of the P.1 variant was discovered in Cook County on Friday.

In addition, Illinois officials reported a second case of the variant first discovered in South Africa, known as B.1.351. The first case of that variant was confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in a Rock Island resident on Feb. 11, according to IDPH.

The COVID-19 virus — also known as SARS-CoV-2 — constantly changes through mutation, and new variants of a virus are expected to occur over time, officials said.

State and local health officials have said it is not surprising that the variants have been discovered in Chicago and Illinois but have urged residents to continue to wear masks, practice social distancing and get vaccinated when possible.

Data suggests current vaccines will be effective and safe in providing protection against the South African and United Kingdom variant, while additional study is needed of the Brazilian variant, officials said.

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