The P1 variant, born in Manaus, Brazil, is associated with apocalyptic images of completely overwhelmed care services in January. It spread very quickly: “In November, zero samples were P1 variants, in December, 35% of samples were P1 variants, in January 75% and now, almost 100% of samples are P1 variants”, explains Dr Felipe Naveca, virologist at the Leônidas & Maria Deane Institute.

Researchers have estimated that its contagiousness is between 1.4 and 2.2 times that of the original virus. For good reason, a viral load 10 times higher than that of the Chinese virus. It is not known, however, if it is more deadly.

More than 80% of cases in Guyana

Quickly, the P1 variant became the majority in Guyana, this department which shares a border with Brazil: it represents 82.4% of samples. A source of concern for Loïc Epelboin, infectious disease specialist at the Cayenne Hospital Center: “If we end up with the rate of serious patients that there were in Manaus, we will cry, and Martinique and Guadeloupe will not be able to help us because they themselves are invaded by the English variant. Where do we evacuate our patients when we are completely overwhelmed? What I’m talking about is a disaster scenario but it can happen. ” In order to avoid the worst, anyone over 30 can now be vaccinated in Guyana.