The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services reports the first known case of COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7 in Missouri.
Variant B.1.1.7 is the technical designation for what has been called the UK variant of the COVID-19 virus. Originally discovered in the United Kingdom in September of 2020, the virus was found in the United States by December.
It was found recently in Missouri in an adult living in Marion County.
“We were notified today of this first B.1.1.7 variant case in Missouri, and we are working closely with the local public health agency to ensure appropriate measures are being taken regarding contact tracing and isolation and quarantine protocols,” said Dr. Randall Williams, the director of DHSS.
Their name has not been released for privacy reasons.
The B.1.1.7 variant is known for increased transmissibility, but otherwise appears about as serious as the more common variants of the virus. The DHSS does not believe this variant will require its own series of vaccines.
Public health officials maintain that the public wear masks, practice good handwashing, and practice physical distancing. They encourage people to seek testing and to get the COVID-19 vaccine when it is available.
