First confirmed case of COVID-19 (B.1.1.7) variant reported in Missouri, identified in Marion County resident



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JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KY3) – The Missouri Department of Health and Seniors Services reports the first case of a variant of COVID-19 in the state.

Variant B.1.1.7 was identified in an adult sample from Marion County.

The Missouri DHSS shared the following announcement on Saturday night:

The Missouri Department of Health and Seniors Services (DHSS) reports the first identification in a Missouri resident of the COVID-19 variant, B.1.1.7, which was first detected in the UK in September 2020 and started to be reported in the United States in December. Variant B.1.1.7 was identified in a sample from an adult living in Marion County. To protect the privacy of the individual, no other information will be disclosed about the patient.

The latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that 611 cases have been reported to the CDC in the United States as of February 4, with 33 states reporting cases to date.

“We were informed today of this first case of variant B.1.1.7 in Missouri, and we are working closely with the local public health agency to ensure that appropriate action is taken regarding the investigation. contact and isolation and quarantine protocols, ”said Dr Randall Williams, director of DHSS.

According to the CDC, this particular variant is associated with increased transmissibility, which means it can spread faster. The first reports found no evidence to suggest that this variant has an impact on the severity of the disease or the effectiveness of the vaccine.

DHSS continues to advise individuals to wear a mask, wash their hands well and physically distance themselves, and stay home if they are not feeling well. If symptoms are felt or exposure to COVID-19 is suspected, DHSS encourages individuals to get tested.

Although in limited supply, the COVID-19 vaccine is now available to healthcare workers, residents and long-term care staff, emergency personnel, and those with specific co-morbidities or who are over the age of 65 years and over. Learn more about www.MOStopsCovid.com. “

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