Michigan identifies Brazil’s first COVID-19 P1 variant case

Michigan has identified its first case of the P.1 variant of COVID-19, which was first discovered in Brazil and is believed to be more contagious, like other variants of the virus.

the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services revealed that the first case of this variant in Michigan was discovered in a Bay County resident.

Bay County Health Department officials are investigating the source of the infection and are demanding a full 14-day quarantine for the infected person and all close contacts.

“We are concerned about the discovery of another variant in Michigan,” said MDHHS director Elizabeth hertel said. “It is now even more important that the Michiganders continue to do what works to slow the spread of the virus by wearing their masks properly, distancing themselves socially, avoiding crowds, washing their hands often and making a plan to get COVID-19 safe and effective. vaccine once it’s their turn. “

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“This is the second new variant of COVID-19 to be identified in Bay County since last week, and the rise of these new variants is definitely having an impact on the progress we have made this year with vaccinations, ”said Joel Strasz, public health officer for the Bay County Department of Health.

The Bay County Health Department has investigated three cases of the B117 variant since the first case was identified in the county on March 26. No case of variant B.1.351 has been identified in Bay County.

The P.1 variant was first identified in travelers from Brazil during the routine check at Tokyo Airport, Japan, in early January. This variant has been associated with increased transmissibility and there is concern that it affects both vaccine-induced immunity and natural immunity.

As of March 31, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 172 P.1 cases from 22 states.

As of March 31, Michigan had identified 1,468 cases of B117 in 51 Michigan counties and seven cases of B.1.135 variant infections in six Michigan counties.