A sign outside the UW Medicine Research facilities in South Lake Union on December 10, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Karen Ducey / Getty Images)
The Washington Department of Health, along with the Snohomish Health District and the UW Medicine Virology Lab, have found the first cases of the B.1.1.7 variant of COVID-19 – first detected in the UK – to sample of the state to test.
The UW laboratory has detected two known casess of the variant in samples collected from two Snohomish County residents. Between December 25 and January 20, the laboratory examined more than a thousand samples to detect mutations and confirmed the variant by means of complete viral genome sequencing.
‘We thought this variant of concern was here and now we know it’s here. It was a major team effort by the UW Medicine Virology Lab and required the development of several new rapid tests to detect and confirm it, “said Dr. Alex Greninger, Assistant Professor of the Clinical Virology Lab at UW Medicine, said.
These are the first B.1.1.7 variants to be detected in the state, but there are probably other cases.
“The Snohomish Health District has already conducted standard investigations, isolation and contact detection before finding out about these cases,” said Dr. Chris Spitters, Snohomish Health District health officer, said. ‘Restriction protocols are no different for B.1.1.7 variants than for all other cases of COVID-19. Follow-up research is underway to find out more about these cases and the individuals who tested positive for this strain. ”
The B.1.1.7 variant was first detected worldwide in September 2020. It spreads easier and faster than other variants.
‘While touching on the B.1.1.7 variant, we knew it was only a matter of time before we would find evidence here in Washington. That said, the health and safety of all Washingtonians remains our top priority, “said Health Secretary Umair A. Shah. -19 to protect. “
This is an evolving story.