COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7 was discovered in Clark County.
Two county residents who recently tested positive for COVID-19 were confirmed to be infected with variant B.1.1.7 of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. B.1.1.7 was first detected in the UK last year and proved to be much more transmissible than the original new coronavirus.
The specimens were sent to a University of Washington laboratory. The laboratory confirmed the variant by sequencing the complete viral genome and notified Clark County Public Health of the results this week, according to a Clark County press release.
These are the first two cases of variant B.1.1.7 identified in Clark County.
“This variant can spread more easily and quickly than others, but the measures we take to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are also effective in preventing the spread of variant B.1.1.7,” said the county health officer. Clark, Dr. Alan Melnick. “It is essential that we continue to use facial covers, to practice physical distance and to avoid encounters.”
One of the two people with the variant had traveled outside the country before testing positive for COVID-19, but the cases do not seem related and the other case did not, suggesting that variant B.1.1.7 is circulating in Clark County. . Public Health does not provide additional information about the cases.
Variant B.1.1.7 was first detected in Washington in January. The data collected so far suggests a low prevalence of variant B.1.1.7 in western Washington. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that variant B.1.1.7 will become the dominant strain in the United States in a few months’ time.
Although variant B.1.1.7 spreads more easily than other variants, there is a lack of evidence that it causes more serious illness or increases the risk of death.
So far, studies suggest that the COVID-19 vaccines currently authorized for use are effective against variant B.1.1.7.
Everyone should continue to take steps to keep themselves, their loved ones and the community healthy, using facial coverage whenever they are around people you don’t live with, including people you see regularly, according to Public Health. Make sure that the facial covers fit well and have multiple layers.
Also stay at least 2 meters away from people you don’t live with and avoid social gatherings. If you get together, keep the size of the group small and use face covers. Try to gather outside, if possible.
Wash your hands with soap and water and stay at home if you are sick or in close contact with a sick person or someone with a positive result for COVID-19. Look for the COVID-19 test if you have symptoms or are in close contact with someone with a positive result.
Find out more about the COVID-19 variants on the websites of the Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Washington State.