The first New York case of the coronavirus variant first detected in Brazil has been reported.

Scientists say they detected the variant in a patient in his 90s who officials say has no travel history.

The patient came to Mount Sinai Hospital for treatment. The variant is considered to be a more contagious and more severe form of the virus.

One study done by the University of Oxford found the variant could be less resistant to the current coronavirus vaccines.

The variant was first detected in the US at the end of January and the Centers for Disease and Control Prevention say there have been 48 cases nationwide.

New York Health Commissioner Howard Zucker says there is a race between the vaccines and the variants.

The Department of Health is working with the city learn more about patient and anyone who may have been exposed.