BISMARCK, ND (KFYR) – The North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) announced today that the new variant strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus first detected in the UK has been identified by genomic sequencing in positive samples from two individuals in North Dakota. . Both cases were identified by the NDDoH Public Health Laboratory.
The results were confirmed on Tuesday 16 February. One person recently returned from his domestic trip before becoming ill, and the second person was in close contact with the first person. Both were interviewed by contact detectives when they received initial positive results and close contacts were identified.
It is suspected that another case is the British variant and is currently being investigated.
“Continuous monitoring tests for the variant have been conducted at the North Dakota Public Health Laboratory and in collaboration with other diagnostic laboratories,” said Dr. Christie Massen, director of the health care laboratory, said. Monitoring consists of genomic sequencing on portions of COVID-19 positive samples.
It is considered more contagious, and it reinforces the importance of continuing to wear a mask, to remove physically, to stay home when you are sick, to be tested and to be quarantined when you are exposed. to someone who tested positive, ”said Kirby Kruger, director of disease control at the NDDoH. “Getting a vaccine when it’s your turn is another great way to prevent the spread of the variety.”
Preliminary studies have indicated that the COVID-19 vaccines currently in use are effective against the British variant strain.
This variety of the virus was first detected in the UK in September 2020 and has been found in numerous countries around the world, including the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has so far reported 1,173 cases from 41 states. For more information, see CDC: New COVID-19 Variants.