The so-called “South African” variant of COVID-19 virus was first detected in a Connecticut patient, according to the Department of Public Health.
Variant B.1.351 was found in a Fairfield County resident between the ages of 60 and 70 who has not traveled recently. The person is currently hospitalized outside the hospital, DPH said.
Connecticut was notified of the diagnosis by New York health officials.
Variant B.1.351 is more contagious than the original COVID-19 virus. This strain of the virus was first detected in South Africa in October 2020 and was first discovered in the United States in late January 2021, according to a press release.
“Seeing another option in our state reminds us once again of the severity of this pandemic and reinforces the need for us to take all necessary precautions that have proven successful in the last year. The virus does not recognize state borders and certainly does not recognize international borders, which means that it is our responsibility to do everything we can personally to mitigate the spread, ”said Governor Ned Lamont.
With the discovery of the new variant B.1.351, as well as 42 confirmed cases in Connecticut of variant B.1.1.7 that was first detected in the UK, health officials urged residents to continue vigilance when it comes to wearing masks and social services. spacing.
Correction (February 15, 2021 4:21 PM) An earlier version of this story contained incorrect information from DPH that variant B.1.351 caused more serious illness than the original strain of COVID-19. DPH now says the CDC’s guidance does not show evidence that it would cause more severe illness.