Michigan health officials concerned about COVID variants

ANN ARBOR – On January 22, 2021, Michigan had three confirmed cases of B.1.1.7 – the most contagious new strain of coronavirus.

The three women are linked to the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. One of the women had traveled to the United Kingdom in early January.

“We have now identified an outbreak, but there are possibly others,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. “Other cases in the state that have not yet been identified and cases that are not associated with the outbreak that we found”.

B.1.1.7 – the United Kingdom variant – spreads more easily. Each person who catches it is significantly more likely to infect more people.

Scientists are also concerned about new variants detected in South Africa and Brazil, which have not yet been found in the United States.

At the White House. Dr. Anthony Fauci emphasized that the new variants highlight the need to vaccinate people quickly.

“It is yet another reason why we should vaccinate as many people as possible,” said Fauci. “As long as the virus is there, replicating, viruses don’t mutate unless they replicate. And if you can suppress that with a very good vaccine campaign, then you can really avoid that harmful effect that you can get from mutations. “

Fauci said that while certain mutations could make vaccines less protective, vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna are highly effective enough that there is a dampening effect that would still provide protection.

The new strain from the UK is more contagious because it is better for clinging to receptors in our nose, lungs and digestive tract, making it even more essential to follow precautions like wearing a mask.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Friday that there is evidence that the new strain, in addition to being easier to spread, could be more deadly. The research is considered preliminary, but it is something that experts are monitoring.

RELATED: Michigan Health Director Robert Gordon announces resignation

Robert Gordon, director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, abruptly resigned on Friday.

Gordon and Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, were the faces of MDHHS during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gordon has always been present at Whitmer’s briefings and, more recently, participated in a virtual update on Tuesday.

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