PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- Public health officials are tracking reports of variants of the Covid-19 virus. The CDC reports those mutations related to infections in the United Kingdom, South Africa and Brazil have now shown up in at least thirty three states.

South Dakota State Epidemiologist Dr Josh Clayton says each variant has some unique characteristics.

The variants appear to be more transmissible. Clayton says that means people may have to use more intense precautions.

Clayton says the vaccines being administered now may have to be modified to meet the rising threat of the variants.

So far over 125,000 Covid-19 vaccinations have been given to over 86,000 people in the state.