B.1.1.7. Archives - Missourinet

Northeast Missouri resident has state’s first confirmed case of UK coronavirus variation

February 7, 2021 By Alisa Nelson

The state Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) says an adult in northeast Missouri’s Marion County has the state’s first confirmed case of a COVID-19 variation initially detected in the United Kingdom. A press release from DHSS says the version, known as B.1.1.7, was identified in a sample from the individual.

Northeast Missouri resident has state’s first confirmed case of UK coronavirus variation

The latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows 611 U.S. cases have been reported to the CDC as of Feb. 4. So far, 33 states have reported B.1.1.7 cases.

“We were notified today (Saturday) of this first B.1.1.7 variant case in Missouri, and we are working closely with the local public health agency to ensure appropriate measures are being taken regarding contact tracing and isolation and quarantine protocols,” says Dr. Randall Williams, director of DHSS.

The CDC says B.1.1.7 is highly contagious.

“Early reports found no evidence to suggest that this variant has any impact on the severity of disease or vaccine efficacy,” the press release says. “DHSS continues to advise individuals to wear a mask, practice good handwashing and physical distancing, and to stay home if not feeling well. If any symptoms are experienced or COVID-19 exposure is suspected, DHSS encourages individuals to seek testing.

Missouri reports 465,448 people have tested positive for the coronavirus since last March. There are 1,666 individuals in a Missouri hospital being treated for the virus and 7,142 have died from COVID-19.

UK variation of COVID-19 not detected in Missouri – yet

January 21, 2021 By Alisa Nelson

A highly contagious version of COVID-19 has made its way to the United States from the UK. During a Capitol press conference Wednesday, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Director Dr. Randall Williams says the state is keeping a close eye on the variation.

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) Director Dr. Randall Williams briefs Capitol reporters in Jefferson City on August 5, 2020 (photo courtesy of the governor’s Flickr page)

“We have not identified a case of the UK variant yet in Missouri,” says Williams. “It is in the Midwest. It’s in Illinois. It’s been in Indiana. Certainly, have seen that around the country. So, we are watching that very vigilantly. We get tests back and so far we’ve been blessed that they have come back negative. But that could certainly be a factor.”

The variation, known as B.1.1.7., has an unusually large number of mutations. The CDC says there is no evidence at this time to show that UK version of the virus causes more severe illness or increased risk of death.

Dr. Mati Hlatshwayo Davis, an infectious disease specialist at Washington University in St. Louis, says there have been other strains of the virus but they have not had a significant impact like this one.

“All that we are seeing right now is higher clusters of people, particularly in the United Kingdom and in South Africa,” she says.

Hlatshwayo Davis says the higher rates of transmission are another reason taking health precautions is necessary, such as wearing a mask, proper handwashing, social distancing, and getting vaccinated.

She says Pfizer and Moderna, who have researchers testing B.1.1.7. against the vaccine, think the drugs currently being used will be effective against the UK version of the virus.