COVID-19 Variant B.1.1.7 Confirmed in Russell County

One case of the B.1.1.7 variant that causes COVID-19 has been identified in Russell County and confirmed via whole genome sequencing conducted through the laboratories at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

The Russell County Health Department received confirmation of this case Wednesday. This is the first case of this variant to be identified in Russell County.

Variant strains are mutations of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that cause COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention classifies variants in three categories: Variant of Interest, Variant of Concern and Variant of High Consequences. The CDC has classified B.1.1.7, also known as the UK Variant, as a Variant of Concern because of the increased likelihood of severe disease and increased level of transmission.

Although the mask recommendations have been undated by the CDC stating that those who have completed the vaccination series do not have to wear a mask, the Russell County Health Department urges residents to continue to wash their hands among other preventative hygiene measures to limit the spread of the COVID-19.

Additionally, it continues to be important to get tested for COVID-19 should an individual begin exhibiting symptoms related to COVID-19 or have close contact with a confirmed positive case. Saliva testing continues to be available through the Russell County Health Department. Russell Regional Hospital also continues to offer testing. To find a location near you, visit www.gogettested.com/kansas.

"With the confirmation of the B.1.1.7 variant in Russell County, it is important that we as a community continue to do what we can to limit the spread of the virus," stated Paula Bitter, Russell County Health Department Administrator and County Health Officer. "Although the trend has been decreasing for Russell County, variants for COVID-19 are beginning to increase throughout the state of Kansas."

Currently, 962 cases of Variant of Concern have been reported in the state of Kansas, with the majority being the B.1.1.7 variant.

"Vaccine is the best way to prevent being infected with COVID-19," Bitter said. "Moderna and Pfizer are both 94 percent effective in preventing COVID infection, including the variants that are currently circulating. Johnson & Johnson is 66.3 percent effective against COVID."

To find a vaccination site, visit the RCHD Vaccine webpage at www.russellcountyhealthdept.com or KDHE's Find My Vaccine tool at https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/160/Find-My-Vaccine to learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and to access the CDC's VaccineFinder to locate the closest vaccinating provider to you.

(Information courtesy RCHD.)