Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Saturday that the COVID-19 variant first detected in Brazil was reported in a New York City hospital.

A Brooklyn resident in their 90s was diagnosed with the latest variant. It's the first known case in the state.

State officials say there are at least 48 cases of the Brazilian variant throughout the U.S. and the number could potentially grow.

Cuomo issued a statement saying, "While its normal for a virus to mutate, the best way to protect yourself is to continue to wear a well-fitted mask, avoid large crowds, social distance, wash your hands and get vaccinated when it’s your turn."

Briarcliff Manor infectious disease specialist Dr. Harish Moorjani says the variant could be more severe and is more contagious.

“The good news is that we are way ahead of the curve here,” Moorjani says. “We have the ability to genotype these variants, figure out how they’re different and respond to it appropriately if necessary.”

Yonkers resident Mary Carey, 70, survived the coronavirus and says people need to remember that if they aren’t vaccinated they could  have a lifelong illness from the disease.

Doctors are reminding the public that those who are elderly or with underlying conditions continue to be at the highest risk for contracting COVID-19 and developing serious complications.