Michigan health officials are concerned about COVID variants

ANN TREE – As of January 22, 2021, Michigan has three confirmed cases of B.1.1.7 – the new, more contagious strain of coronavirus.

The three women are connected to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. One of the women had traveled to the United Kingdom in early January.

“We have now identified an outbreak, but there are others,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. “Other cases in the state that have not yet been identified and cases that are not associated with the outbreak we found.”

B.1.1.7 – the British version – spreads more easily. Each person who receives it is more likely to infect more people.

Scientists are also concerned about new variants detected in South Africa and Brazil that have not yet been found in the United States.

At the White House. Dr. Anthony Fauci pointed out that the new variants highlight the need for rapid vaccination of people.

“This is all the more reason why we should vaccinate as many people as possible,” Fauci said. “As long as the virus is there, reproducing, the viruses do not move unless they reproduce. And if you can eliminate this through a very good vaccination campaign, then you can avoid this harmful effect that you could get from mutations. ”

Fauci said that while some mutations could make vaccines less protective, both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are effective enough to have a pillow effect that continues to provide protection.

The new strain in the UK is more contagious because it attaches better to receptors in the nose, lungs and digestive tract, making it even more essential to follow precautions, such as wearing a mask.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Friday that there is evidence that the new strain, in addition to being easier to spread, could be more deadly. The research is considered preliminary, but it is something that experts monitor.

RELATED: Michigan Health Director Robert Gordon announces his resignation

Robert Gordon, director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, abruptly resigned Friday.

Gordon and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Joneigh Khaldun have been the faces of MDHHS throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Gordon was often present at Whitmer’s briefings and most recently participated in a virtual update on Tuesday.

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