WASHINGTON (TIP): Thousands of cases of the B.1.1.7 strain have been reported across the United States, and experts fear the variant could drive another Covid-19 surge as states race to get ahead and vaccinate. The strain, first spotted in the United Kingdom, isn’t just more contagious than the original novel coronavirus. It appears to be deadlier as well. B.1.1.7 has been wreaking havoc in parts of Europe, and health experts the US could be next if Americans don’t take precautions. “In the Upper Midwest, we’re starting to see lots of younger adults getting sick and going to the hospital from Covid because of the B.1.1.7 variant,” said Dr. Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. “So, remember that the B.1.1.7 variant is different from past types of Covid infections that we’ve seen — more serious and possibly more severe disease among younger people.”

Where B.1.1.7 is thriving

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported more than 11,500 cases of B.1.1.7 infections. But those were just the ones caught by genomic sequencing.

The actual number may be much higher, since not every Covid-19 case is sequenced.

The highest B.1.1.7 case counts are in Florida, which has welcomed packed crowds of spring breakers — many of whom are unvaccinated and maskless.

Michigan has the next highest number of B.1.1.7 cases. Officials there say another surge is well on its way.

“We’ve got a high proportion of variants, and that means coronavirus spreads faster,” Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said. “These are much more contagious, and we’re seeing that whether it is at youth sports or it is the re-engagement of some of our restaurants.”

Whitmer said the disturbing trend is fueled by new variants, pandemic fatigue and more travel.