KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI – A coronavirus case with variant B.1.1.7, which is believed to be more contagious than the primary strain, was found in a Kalamazoo County resident.
Kalamazoo County Health leaders announced the discovery late Thursday, Feb. 4, saying it was found in a person older than 80.
So far, state officials have said the only cases in Michigan are located in Washtenaw and Wayne. As of Thursday, there were 28 confirmed cases in southeast Michigan.
Related: 21 cases of COVID-19 have now been identified in Washtenaw County
Although the B.1.1.7 variant is likely to spread more easily, it is unlikely to become more dangerous than the primary strain. Vaccines used against the primary strain of COVID-19 are also believed to be effective against the variant strain.
The health officials have so far identified in 33 other state and legal areas.
“The identification of the B.1.1.7 variant in Kalamazoo County emphasizes the importance of our community wearing masks, taking social distances, avoiding social gatherings, washing our hands, being tested for COVID and being vaccinated,” said Dr. William Nettleton, medical director of the Kalamazoo County Department of Health and Community Services, said in a written statement.
Kalamazoo County health officials said they are conducting contact detection to identify close contacts of the infected resident. They will be quarantined for 14 days and are encouraged to take a coronavirus test.
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