A poster outside the UW Medicine Research facility in South Lake Union on December 10, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Karen Ducey / Getty Images)
The Washington State Department of Health, along with the Snohomish Health District and the UW Medical Virology Laboratory, have found the first cases of COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7, first detected. time in the UK, in state sample tests.
The UW laboratory detected two known casess of the variant in specimens collected from two residents of Snohomish county. The lab examined more than a thousand samples between December 25 and January 20 to detect mutations and confirmed the variant by complete sequencing of the viral genome.
“We thought this variant of concern was here and now we know it is here. It was a great team effort at the UW Medical Virology Laboratory and required the development of several new rapid tests to detect and confirm it, ”said Dr. Alex Greninger, assistant professor in the clinical virology laboratory at UW. UW medicine.
These are the first B.1.1.7 variants detected in the state, but there are likely to be other cases.
“The Snohomish Health District had already initiated a standard case investigation, isolation and contact tracing before learning about these cases,” Drs. Chris Spitters, Snohomish Health District Health Officer. “The containment protocols are no different for variants B.1.1.7 than for the other cases of COVID-19. A follow-up investigation is underway to learn more about these cases and the people who tested positive for this strain. “
Variant B.1.1.7 was first detected worldwide in September 2020. It spreads more easily and quickly than other variants.
“While finding a B.1.1.7 variant is worrisome, we knew it was only a matter of time before we found evidence of it in Washington. That said, the health and safety of all Washingtonians remains our top priority, “said Health Secretary Umair A. Shah.” Now that this variant has been found, he stresses the absolute importance of doubling all measures. to protect Washingtonians from COVID-19 “.
This is a developing story.