The Oregon Health Authority said Sunday that a third Oregonian tested positive for a new, highly contagious variant of the COVID-19 virus.
Sunday’s case, in Washington County, comes just a day after the state announced a second case in Oregon – in Yamhill County. The first two patients had no known travel history, suggesting that the virus probably spread throughout the state. However, the health authority said that this patient traveled outside the country in Washington County during the exposure period; it did not specify where.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday that the new variant, formally known as B.1.1.7, has been found in about two-dozen states.
The new variant spread rapidly in the UK, which led the health authorities to conclude that it was more contagious. Authorities believe existing vaccines are likely to be effective against this mutation.
Oregon identified its first case of the more contagious strain earlier this month and linked it to a Portland University employee.
After last fall and during the holidays, the number of coronavirus cases has declined sharply over the past ten days. It is not clear that the trend will apply if the new variant takes hold; authorities predict that the new strain could represent a majority of cases within the next two months.
Health authorities hope they can stun the spread by rapidly administering vaccines before the new variant is widespread.
Correction: This article initially reported that the youngest patient identified with the mutant strain did not travel. The health authority says that this person does have a travel history.
– Mike Rogoway | [email protected] | twitter: @rogoway | 503-294-7699