SALT LAKE CITY – A new COVID-19 variant that originated in the UK has been detected in Utah, state health officials announced Friday.
The variant, also known as B.1.1.7 COVID-19, was detected in a Salt Lake County man who tested positive last month and was between 25 and 44 years old, according to a statement from the Department of Health. ‘Utah. . The man had no known history of travel outside of Utah and showed only mild symptoms, according to the statement.
“We fully anticipated that we would find this strain in Utah. We know that this strain is more transmissible than previous variants of COVID-19 and our hospitals continue to operate at or above capacity. So now more than ever, the Utah residents need to wear masks, practice physical distancing and avoid large gatherings, ”said Dr. Angela Dunn, state epidemiologist in the health department, Dr. Angela Dunn.
Salt Lake County health officials conducted a routine investigation of the case, including contact tracking, for the varying case. The Utah Public Health Laboratory discovered the variant by genetically sequencing COVID-19 samples, according to the press release.
The UK variant is thought to spread more quickly and easily than other COVID-19 mutations, but there is no evidence that it is more lethal, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It was first detected in the United States in Colorado.
COVID-19 vaccines that are approved for use are also believed to be effective against the British variant of the virus, the health department said.
Dunn is expected to provide more information on the discovery of the variant on Friday afternoon.
This story will be updated.
Jacob Klopfenstein