KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI – A case of coronavirus with strain variant B.1.1.7, believed to be more contagious than the primary strain, was found in a resident of Kalamazoo County.
Kalamazoo County health leaders announced the discovery on Thursday, February 4, and said it was found in a person over 80.
So far, state health officials have said that the only known cases in Michigan have occurred in Washtenaw and Wayne counties. As of Thursday, there were 28 confirmed cases in southeastern Michigan.
Related: 21 cases of COVID-19 variant now identified in Washtenaw County
Although variant B.1.1.7 is likely to spread more easily, it is not believed to be more dangerous than the primary strain. In addition, vaccines used against the primary strain of COVID-19 are believed to be effective against the variant strain.
The variant strain has so far been identified in 33 other states and jurisdictions, health officials said.
“The identification of variant B.1.1.7 in Kalamazoo County underscores the importance of our community wearing masks, socializing, avoiding social gatherings, washing hands, taking the COVID test and being vaccinated”, Dr. William Nettleton , medical director of the Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services Department, said in a written statement.
Kalamazoo County health officials said they are tracking contacts to identify contacts close to the infected resident. They will be quarantined for 14 days and will be encouraged to have a coronavirus test.
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