WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – A second Kansas case of the United Kingdom or UK, variant known as B.1.1.7, has been identified in Sedgwick County, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment confirmed in a Monday afternoon press release.
The first case was identified earlier this month at Fort Hays State University in Ellis County.
“A case study has been conducted and close contacts have been informed. The case study indicates that the person likely became infected while traveling out of state. Further details about the patient, including demographics, will not be released, ”the KDHE said.
The state said the variant was determined by testing in KDHE laboratories.
“This finding does not change our public health recommendations. We continue to encourage people to take the right precautions. This includes wearing a mask that fits snugly around the nose and face and has multiple layers of fabric or thinner masks layered with an additional fabric face mask to improve fit. Opportunity should also follow the recommendations for isolation and quarantine, give up physical distance, practice good hygiene, stay home when sick and get the vaccine if possible, once supplies are sufficient, ”said KDHE Secretary Dr. Lee Norman.
Adrienne Byrne, director of Sedgwick County Health, added that “this finding also demonstrates the importance of getting tested for COVID-19.”
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