The Iowa Department of Public Health has confirmed three cases of the COVID-19 strain that is commonly referred to as the “UK variant” because it was first detected in the United Kingdom.
Two of the three UK cases were detected in Johnson County in an adult (18 to 40) and a middle aged adult (41 to 60) and one in an adult individual in Bremer County.
Researchers believe that the strain can be spread more easily than the original strain — and current COVID-19 vaccines are considered to be effective against it. State and local public health officials are talking with those involved to try and understand their exposures and initiate the health monitoring process.
That will include notifying anyone who they came into close contact with. The individuals will be advised to isolate in accordance with IDPH and CDC guidance. IDPH and the local public have already initiated contact with these cases to understand their exposures and initiate the health monitoring process.
The positive cases were identified by the State Hygienic Lab. The SHL has been participating in the CDC’s SARS-CoV-2 Stain Surveillance Program by sending COVID-19 test samples to be sequenced for the B.1.1.7 variant since early December. SHL recently began doing their own internal sequencing of 45 specimens per week to look specifically for the variant. It was through routine analysis of genetic sequence data assisted in identifying the new variant in Iowa. Based on epidemiologic and modeling data, researchers believe that the UK Variant can spread more easily than the original strain of COVID-19.
“Viruses constantly change through mutation, and new variants of a virus are expected to occur over time. Sometimes new variants emerge and disappear. Other times, new variants emerge and persist. Multiple variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 have been documented in the United States and globally during this pandemic. Public Health will continue to work with our partners at SHL to monitor these trends and it is very important that we all keep practicing good public health protective measures” shared Dr. Caitlin Pedati, State Medical Director and Epidemiologist.
The emergence of new variants and the increased transmissibility underscores that it critical for Iowans to continue the mitigation efforts that we know work to slow the spread.
• Wear a mask or face covering
• Practice social distancing with those outside your household
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water
• Stay home if you feel sick
• Get tested if you are exposed to, or have symptoms of COVID-19
• Consider getting a COVID-19 vaccine when it’s available to you.