DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) – The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has confirmed one case of the Brazilian COVID-19 variant (SARS-CoV-2 P.1) in Johnson County.
IDPH says local public health officials have already contacted the person who tested positive to understand the exposures and start the health monitoring process, including notifying someone with whom the individual was in close contact.
Officials say they are still learning about the characteristics of the Brazilian strain, including the potential impact on the vaccine’s effectiveness.
The case was identified by the State Hygienic Lab, which is in the process of identifying which COVID strains are circulating in Iowa. Routine analysis of genetic sequence data helped identify the new variant strain in Iowa, according to the IDPH.
The emergence of new variants underscores that it remains critical for Iowans to continue the mitigation efforts we know are working to slow the spread of COVID-19:
- Wear a mask or face cover
- Practice distancing yourself socially from people outside of 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
- Receive a COVID-19 vaccine when presented to you
- If you have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, check out the CDC guidelines here
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