MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – The new coronavirus variant originally found in wide circulation in England has arrived in Wisconsin.
The Department of Health Services said it has confirmed that the variant, which appears to spread faster and faster than the current strain, was found on Tuesday in Eau Claire. DHS noted that, although apparently more contagious, the new strain does not appear to be more deadly or cause more severe COVID-19 symptoms.
“We already know that COVID-19 is easily transmitted through respiratory droplets and, with this new variant looking even more infectious, taking preventive measures like wearing a mask and moving away physically are even more important,” said the DHS designated secretary. , Andrea Palm. .
Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway had previously warned that the variant was probably already in the state after it was confirmed in neighboring Minnesota. DHS Medical Director Dr. Ryan Westergaard noted that virus mutations are “very common” and that variants of the coronavirus were expected.
“As time passes in the pandemic and the virus continues to replicate on a large scale, the virus’s genetic sequence changes,” he said.
The mutated strain was discovered with the help of laboratory partners, explained DHS, through continuous surveillance and sequencing of the complete genome.
This story is still in development. NBC15 will update it as soon as more information is available
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