A more contagious strain of COVID-19 originated out of the UK has been spotted in Kansas, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
The strain has been found in 33 states and has now been found in Ellis County. An investigation is being done to find out how the individual contracted the strain. No further details are being released concerning the patient, including demographics.
Secretary of the KDHE Dr. Lee Norman said “This finding does not change our public health recommendations. We continue to encourage people to take the appropriate precautions: follow isolation and quarantine recommendations, practice physical distancing, wearing masks, good hygiene, staying home if ill and getting the vaccine if you are able to, once the supply is sufficient.”
This variant was first reported in the U.S. at the end of December 2020. Evidence from the UK indicates that this variant spreads much more quickly through the population and, given that fact, may rapidly increase the number of hospitalizations and deaths. More studies are needed to confirm this finding.
