(WWJ) The new COVID-19 variant, B.1.1.7. has been identified in Michigan, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).
MDHHS said the adult woman had recently traveled to the United Kingdom where the strain is most prevalent.
Two COVID-19 cases have been found among her close contacts, but it is unclear whether they have the new variant.
They are quarantining.
“B.1.1.7. is believed to be more contagious, but there has been no indication that it affects the clinical outcomes or disease severity compared to the SARS-CoV-2 virus that has been circulating across the United States for months,” the press release read.
However, health officials are concerned the higher transmissibility may lead to more cases, therefore more hospitalizations and lives lost from the virus.
“The discovery of this variant in Michigan is concerning, but not unexpected,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at MDHHS. “We all have a personal responsibility to slow the spread of COVID-19 and end this pandemic as quickly as possible.”
Evidence suggests that current vaccines and tests for COVID-19 are effective against B.1.1.7.
In order to prevent the spread, health officials beseech Michiganders to:
Get vaccinated for COVID-19.
Wear a mask around others.
Stay 6 feet apart from others.
Wash hands often.
Ventilate indoor spaces.
Viruses constantly change through mutation, and new variants of a virus are expected to occur over time.
It is unclear how severely ill the woman and her close contacts are.
The variant has been identified in at least 16 other states and jurisdictions in the U.S. This is the only known case in Michigan at this time. However, more cases may be in the state undetected.
Additional information:
Related
