A sign outside the UW Medicine Research facilities in South Lake Union on December 10, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Karen Ducey / Getty Images)
The Washington State Department of Health, the Snohomish Health District and the UW Medicine Virology Lab have found the first cases of the B.1.1.7 variant of COVID-19 – first discovered in the UK – when testing samples from the state.
The UW lab has detected two known casess of the variant collected in specimens from two residents of Snohomish County. The lab screened more than 1,000 samples between December 25 and January 20 to detect mutations, and confirmed the variant by sequencing the entire viral genome.
‘We thought this care variant was here and now we know it is here. It was a massive team effort from the UW Medicine Virology Lab and required the development of several new rapid tests to detect and confirm it, ”said Dr. Alex Greninger, assistant professor of the Clinical Virology Lab at UW Medicine.
These are the first B.1.1.7 variants detected in the state, but it is likely there are other cases.
“The Snohomish Health District had already initiated a standard case investigation, isolation and contact investigation before hearing about these cases,” said Dr. Chris Spitters, Snohomish Health District Health Officer. “Containment protocols are no different for B.1.1.7 variants than for all other cases of COVID-19. Follow-up research is underway to learn more about these cases and the individuals who tested positive for this species. “
The B.1.1.7 variant was first discovered worldwide in September 2020. It spreads more easily and faster than other variants.
“While finding the B.1.1.7 variant is worrying, we knew it was only a matter of time before we found evidence for this in Washington. That said, the health and safety of all residents of Washington remains our top priority, ”said Health Secretary Umair A. Shah. “Now that this variant has been found, it underscores the absolute importance of doubling down on all prevention measures to protect Washingtonians from COVID-19.”
This is a story in progress.