The Kansas Department of Health and Environment said Wednesday that the UK variant of COVID-19 has been found in the state.Authorities said a resident in Ellis County was found to have the United Kingdom, or UK, variant known as B.1.1.7. A case investigation is underway to determine how the person became infected with the variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, as well as if others may have been exposed. No further details are being released concerning the patient, including demographics.The variant was determined through the whole genome sequencing conducted through the laboratories at the KDHE.”This finding does not change our public health recommendations. We continue to encourage people to take the appropriate precautions: follow isolation and quarantine recommendations, practice physical distancing, wearing masks, good hygiene, staying home if ill and getting the vaccine if you are able to, once the supply is sufficient,” said Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary.This variant was first reported in the U.S. at the end of December. Evidence from the UK indicates that this variant spreads much more quickly through the population and, given that fact, may rapidly increase the number of hospitalizations and deaths. Health officials said that more studies are needed to confirm this finding.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment said Wednesday that the UK variant of COVID-19 has been found in the state.
Authorities said a resident in Ellis County was found to have the United Kingdom, or UK, variant known as B.1.1.7.
A case investigation is underway to determine how the person became infected with the variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, as well as if others may have been exposed. No further details are being released concerning the patient, including demographics.
The variant was determined through the whole genome sequencing conducted through the laboratories at the KDHE.
“This finding does not change our public health recommendations. We continue to encourage people to take the appropriate precautions: follow isolation and quarantine recommendations, practice physical distancing, wearing masks, good hygiene, staying home if ill and getting the vaccine if you are able to, once the supply is sufficient,” said Dr. Lee Norman, KDHE Secretary.
This variant was first reported in the U.S. at the end of December. Evidence from the UK indicates that this variant spreads much more quickly through the population and, given that fact, may rapidly increase the number of hospitalizations and deaths. Health officials said that more studies are needed to confirm this finding.