Carson reports first case of coronavirus variant

A Carson City resident with no travel history or known exposures is the first case of the B.1.1.7 COVID-19 variant, Carson City Health and Human Services reported on Friday.

On Thursday, the Washoe County Health District reported 31 new cases of the variant since March 17, bringing Washoe’s total to 45.

First detected in the United Kingdom last fall, the variant spreads more easily and quickly than other variants, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Current ongoing studies suggest that the antibodies generated through vaccination with the currently authorized Pfizer, Moderna, and Janssen COVID-19 vaccines recognize this variant. However, it is still not known how this variant impacts the effectiveness of the authorized vaccines, studies are still underway.

Health officials are urging the public to stay diligent with COVID-19 prevention measures such as wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, avoiding large gatherings, staying home when sick, practicing proper hand hygiene, and getting vaccinated when eligible.

For more information on the B.1.1.7 and other COVID-19 variants, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/transmission/variant.html.