Pennsylvania Confirms First Case of More Contagious COVID Variant

Pennsylvania’s first case of a more contagious version of the coronavirus responsible for COVID-19 has been confirmed in Dauphin County, home to the state capital of Harrisburg.

The case was travel-related and the patient had mild symptoms as he recovered at home, state health department officials said in a press release Thursday morning announcing the detection of the variant strain and at a press conference later today. Others who may have been exposed to the Dauphin County patient have been notified and monitored through contact tracing.

The new strain, called SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7, is among the mutations monitored by the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC says this particular variant first appeared in the UK as early as September and has appeared in other countries since last month.

The CDC says mutations in the strain make it more efficient and faster. This does not prevent the COVID-19 vaccine from working.

Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr Rachel Levine said the state had sent a dozen random samples to the CDC twice a week since November to monitor cases with new variants.

At a midday press conference, she said the variant’s presence was not unexpected and will likely appear in all 50 states.

“There is no evidence at this time that this is, for example, the dominant strain in any part of the United States, but of course nationally we will be monitoring this,” said Levine.

Health officials urge residents to continue safe pandemic practices like wearing masks, washing hands and avoiding gatherings.

UPDATE (12:51): This story was updated with comments from a press conference with Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine.

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Steve Novak can be reached at [email protected]. Sara K. Satullo can be contacted at [email protected].