DICKINSON COUNTY, Mich. (WLUC) – The B1.351 COVID-19 variant has now been detected in Upper Michigan.
The Dickinson-Iron District Department of Health was notified late last night that genetic tests had confirmed that the B1.351 variant of the virus that causes COVID-19 had been detected in a positive case in Dickinson County. This is the first report of the B.1.351 variant in Upper Michigan.
This variant, commonly called the South African variant, is of concern because it is associated with increased portability. Compared to the standard SARS-CoV-2 virus, the B.1.351 variant is about 50 percent more transmissible, leading to faster spread of the virus and possibly increasing number of cases, hospitalizations and deaths.
Ruth Manier, director of community health services, says the presence of this particular variant is disturbing because it responds less to our well-known treatment options, such as monoclonal antibody treatments. There are concerns about protecting immunity from vaccinations and natural immunity after a COVID infection. This could potentially mean an increase in reinfections for those who have already experienced a COVID infection. ‘
Once the variant has been identified, additional public health efforts are needed to slow the spread within the community.
Way adds: ‘This is our second variant identified in our community in the last two weeks. We are concerned about the health, safety and well-being of our community. We note that cases are identified in a younger population. It is important to remember that we do not understand what the long-term consequences can be if you experience an infection. ‘
To protect our community, we must all continue to work together to be vaccinated and adhere to social distance, mask use, hand hygiene, large social gatherings, and other mitigation strategies.
The Dickinson District Department of Health has approved the vaccine for anyone over 16 years of age. Adults over 18 are eligible to schedule an appointment. Parents interested in planning an appointment for their 16- and 17-year-old children should call DIDHD during normal office hours.
For more information about COVID, visit didhd.org, michigan.gov/coronavirus, or michigan.gov/COVIDVaccine.
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