DENVER (CBS4) – A new variant of COVID-19 virus, which is considered more contagious, has been discovered in Colorado. Governor Jared Polis and state health officials have announced the first Colorado case of COVID-19 B.1.1.7, which was previously discovered in the United Kingdom.
(credit: CBS)
“The Colorado State Laboratory has confirmed and notified the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) about the case. The individual is a 20-year-old man who is currently isolated in Elbert County and has no travel history.
“The individual is recovering in isolation and will remain there until he is released by public health officials. The individual does not have close contacts identified so far, but public health officials are working to identify other potential cases and contacts through in-depth follow-up interviews. “
Public health officials said they were conducting a thorough investigation.
“We don’t know much about this new COVID-19 variant, but scientists in the UK are warning the world that it is much more contagious. The health and safety of Coloradans is our top priority and we will closely monitor this case, as well as all COVID-19 indicators, closely. We are working to prevent the spread and content of the virus at all levels, “said Governor Jared Polis.
Officials said the Colorado state lab was the first in the country to quickly identify the variant through a sophisticated analysis of test samples.
Scientists in the United Kingdom consider that variant B.1.1.7 is more contagious than the previously identified strains of SARS-CoV-2, although it does not show more severe symptoms.
Currently approved vaccines are considered to be effective against this variant.
“The fact that Colorado first detected this variant in the country is a testament to the sophistication of Colorado’s response and the talent of scientists and laboratory operations of CDPHE,” said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, executive director, Department of Public Health and Environment. Colorado. “We are currently using all available tools to protect public health and mitigate the spread of this variant.”
Governor Polis and state officials will provide additional details at a news conference tomorrow morning.