Pennsylvania confirms first case of more contagious COVID variant

Pennsylvania’s first case of a more contagious version of the coronavirus causing COVID-19 has been confirmed in Dauphin County, home of the capital Harrisburg.

The case became travel-related and the patient had mild symptoms while recovering at home, state health officials said in a news release Thursday morning that they had announced the detection of the variety strain and during a news conference later that day. Others who may have been exposed to the patient in Dauphin County were notified and monitored through contact detection.

The new strain, called SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7, is among the mutations monitored by the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC says that this particular variant first appeared in the UK in September and has appeared in other countries since last month.

The CDC says the tribe’s mutations make it spread more efficiently and more quickly. This does not stop the COVID-19 vaccine from working.

The Pennsylvania Secretary of Health, Dr. Rachel Levine, said that since November, the state has sent a dozen or so samples to the CDC twice a week to investigate cases with new variants.

At a news conference this afternoon, she said the presence of the variant is not unexpected and will likely appear in all 50 states.

“There is currently no evidence that it is, for example, the dominant tribe in any part of the United States, but of course we will of course pay attention to that as well,” Levine said.

Health officials urge residents to continue safe pandemic practices such as wearing masks, washing hands and avoiding gatherings.

UPDATE (12:51 PM): This story has been updated with comments from a news conference with dr. Rachel Levine, Pennsylvania Health Secretary.

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Steve Novak can be reached at [email protected]. Sara K. Satullo can be reached at [email protected].