DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) – The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has confirmed a case of the Brazilian variant COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2 P.1) in Johnson County.
IDPH says local public health officials have already initiated contact with the person who gave positive results to understand the exposures and begin the health monitoring process, including notifying anyone with whom the person has had close contact.
Officials say they are still learning about the characteristics of the Brazilian strain, including any potential impact on the vaccine’s effectiveness.
The case was identified by the State Hygiene Laboratory, which is working to identify which COVID strains are circulating in Iowa. Routine analysis of genetic sequence data helped identify the new Iowa strain variant, according to IDPH.
The emergence of new variants emphasizes that it remains essential for Yowans to continue the mitigation efforts that we know are working to slow the spread of COVID-19:
- Wear a mask or face mask
- Practice social distancing with those outside your household
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water
- Stay home if you feel bad
- Take the test if you are exposed to or have symptoms of COVID-19
- Get a COVID-19 vaccine when you are given one
- If you have been completely vaccinated for COVID-19, see the CDC guidelines here
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