JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KY3) – The Department of Health and Senior Services in Missouri reports the first case of a COVID-19 variant in the state.
The B.1.1.7 variant was identified in a sample of an adult in Marion County.
Missouri DHSS shared the following announcement Saturday night:
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) reports the first identification in a Missouri resident of the COVID-19 variant, B.1.1.7, which was first detected in the United Kingdom in September 2020 and in the United States in December. The B.1.1.7 variant was identified in a sample of an adult living in Marion County. To protect the privacy of the individual, no further information about the patient will be disclosed.
The latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that 611 cases have been reported to the CDC in the United States since February 4, with 33 states reporting cases so far.
“We have been notified today of this first case B.1.1.7 in Missouri, and we are working closely with the local public health agency to ensure that appropriate measures are taken regarding contact detection, isolation and quarantine protocols,” said Dr. Randall said. Williams, director of DHSS.
According to the CDC, this particular variant is associated with increased portability, which means it can spread faster. Early reports found no evidence that this variant has an impact on the severity of the disease or the efficacy of the vaccine.
DHSS continues to recommend individuals to wear a mask, do good hand washing and physical distance, and to stay home when they are not feeling well. If any symptoms are experienced or exposure to COVID-19 is suspected, DHSS encourages individuals to investigate.
Although limited, the COVID-19 vaccine is now available to healthcare professionals, long-term caregivers and staff, emergency personnel and those with specific disease conditions or who are 65 years and older. Learn more at www.MOStopsCovid.com. ”
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