TOPEKA, Kan. (KWCH) – An emerging variant of the CDC, which was found in 33 U.S. states, was identified in Kansas this afternoon. It was found that a Kansas resident of Ellis County has the United Kingdom or the United Kingdom, the variant known as B.1.1.7. A case investigation is ongoing to determine how the person became infected with this particular variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and whether others may have been exposed. No other patient details are provided, including demographics.
The variant was determined by whole genome sequencing (WGS) performed by laboratories at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).
This finding does not change our public health recommendations. We continue to encourage people to take proper precautions: follow the recommendations of isolation and quarantine, practice physical distance, wear masks, good hygiene, stay home if you are sick and get the vaccine if you can, with enough supply, “Dr. Norman, KDHE secretary, he said.
This variant was first reported in the US at the end of December 2020. Evidence from the UK indicates that this variant is spreading much faster among the population and, given this, the number of hospitalizations and deaths may increase rapidly. Several studies are needed to confirm this finding.
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