FINNEY COUNTY, Canada (KWCH) – The South African variant of COVID-19 has been identified in Finney County, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). This is the first known case of the variant in the state.
The variant was determined through all genome sequencing performed through KDHE laboratories. The state health department said an investigation into the case is underway to determine how the person became infected with this particular variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, as well as whether other people may have been exposed. No further details about the patient are published, including demographics.
Variant B.1.351 was originally identified in South Africa in December and has been found in 31 US states and territories. At this time, it is not known to cause more serious diseases and it is unclear if it spreads more easily than other strains. While this strain may reduce the effectiveness of some vaccines, vaccines still offer strong protection against serious illness and death.
“We continue to encourage people to take the right precautions. This includes wearing a mask that fits perfectly on the nose and face and has multiple layers of fabric or thinner layered masks with an additional fabric face mask to enhance the fit, ”said Dr. “Kansans should also follow recommendations for isolation and quarantine, practice physical distances, good hygiene, stay home if sick and receive the vaccine if possible.”
Dr. Dana Hawkinson, an infectious disease physician at the University of Kansas Health System, said the variant could be transmitted more easily and could be life-threatening than the COVID-19 virus. But right now, there isn’t too much solid data.
“Sometimes they are associated with greater transmissibility. It is also continuing to investigate whether they cause worse illnesses and more serious illnesses, “Dr. Hawkinson said.
Although many unknowns remain, early data suggest that all three COVID-19 vaccines are effective in preventing severe cases of the variant. On Thursday, Pfizer said its vaccine performed well in South African clinical trials.
“When vaccinated, you still have good efficacy and protection against serious illness and hospitalization, or death, even against these new variants,” Dr. Hawkinson.
Another variant of concern, B.1.1.7, also known as the UK variant, has been previously identified in Kansas. There are currently 76 cases identified in 14 counties. This variant was first reported in the United States in late December 2020. Evidence from the United Kingdom indicates that this variant is spreading much more rapidly in the population and, given this fact, the number of hospitalizations may increase rapidly. and deaths. Further studies are needed to confirm this finding.
Trials are available and free for all Kansans. To find a location near you, visit: www.gogettested.com/kansas.
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