A COVID-19 variant first discovered in the UK last fall reached two neighboring counties in Coweta.
The Georgia Department of Public Health reported on Monday that 19 cases of COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7 were identified in nine counties, including Carroll and Fulton.
According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, initial evidence suggests that B.1.1.7 is significantly more contagious than COVID-19 and may be associated with an increased risk of death compared to other variants. Both Pfizer and Moderna say their current vaccines appear to work against this variant.
The UK variant arrived in the United States in late December and has now been identified in 30 states and several other countries, according to health officials. Strains from South Africa and Brazil were discovered in the United States at the end of last month, but officials say that so far these variants have been found in Georgia.
In a statement sent Monday, DPH reported that B.1.1.7. cases have been confirmed in 19 Georgians between the ages of 15 and 61. Eight patients are men and 11 women, and all live in the Atlanta metropolitan area. In addition to Carroll and Fulton counties, cases have been confirmed in Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Gwinnett and Paulding counties.
“DPH is working to identify contacts close to the individuals and will monitor them closely,” the statement said.
Georgia Public Health Laboratory and several commercial laboratories are working to identify the
presence of B.1.1.7. on hundreds of specimens collected at test sites in Georgia
across the state, according to the statement.
However, DPH warns that it is only a small percentage of the total number of COVID-19 tests performed and that the current numbers do not necessarily provide an accurate representation. Infections can already exist anywhere in the state or country, health officials say.
“The CDC said that this UK variant is likely to be the dominant strain in the United States at some point
in March, ”said Dr. Kathleen Toomey, DPH commissioner. “We must ensure that we are taking all precautions now to prevent transmission of COVID and to prevent an increase in hospitalizations and loss of life.”
Preventive measures are more crucial than ever because B.1.1.7. variant is more contagious, health officials say. This includes wearing a mask, maintaining social distance, washing your hands frequently, avoiding large crowds and getting vaccinated with COVID when eligibility permits.