DES MOINES, Iowa (KWWL) – The Iowa Department of Public Health has confirmed three cases of the UK’s COVID-19 variant, SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7. in Iowa.
This virus variant is often referred to as the UK variant because it was first discovered in the UK. Based on epidemiological and model data, researchers believe this species can spread more easily than the original COVID-19 strain. Current COVID-19 vaccines are considered effective against the variant strain.
Two of the three cases were discovered in Johnson County, an adult between the ages of 18 and 40 and a middle-aged adult between the ages of 41 and 60. The third case was discovered in an adult in Bremer County. IDPH and local public health are working to understand their exposures and start the health monitoring process. Anyone who has been in close contact with these persons will be notified. The individuals were asked to isolate in accordance with IDPH and CDC guidelines.
The positive cases were identified by the State Hygienic Lab. which has been testing the British variant since the beginning of December.
Viruses are constantly changing through mutation, and new variants of a virus are expected to emerge over time. Sometimes new variants appear and disappear. Other times new variants appear and persist. Multiple variants of the virus that COVID -19 causes have been documented in the United States and worldwide during this pandemic. Public health will continue to work with our partners at SHL to monitor these trends and it is very important that we all continue to take good public health protective measures, “Dr. . Caitlin Pedati, State Medical Director and said epidemiologist.
IDPH says the emergence of new variants underscores the critical need for Iowans to continue to follow public health guidelines:
- Wear a mask or face cover
- Practice social distancing from people outside your household
- Clean your hands regularly with soap and water
- Stay at home if you feel sick
- Get tested if you are exposed to or have symptoms of COVID-19
- Consider getting a COVID-19 vaccine when it is available to you
IDPH says these case counts represent only the variant strains confirmed by genomic sequencing, and may not accurately reflect the true number of variant cases in the state.