Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine announced Thursday that the first confirmed case of the COVID-19 variant has been diagnosed in Pennsylvania. The case is in Dauphin County.
The variant, SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7, was first discovered in England in December.
“Pennsylvania has been preparing for this variant by working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and has been sending 10-35 random samples biweekly to the CDC since November to study sequencing and detect any potential cases for this new COVID-19 variant,” Dr. Levine said. “Public health experts are in the early stages of working to better understand this new variant, how it spreads and how it affects people who are infected with it.
Officials explained that the individual had known international exposure prior to testing positive. All appropriate contact tracing was completed. The individual isolated at home and reported mild symptoms, which have since resolved.
“There is still much to learn about this new variant, so we need to remain vigilant and continue to urge Pennsylvanians to stop the spread by washing their hands, practicing social distancing, avoiding gatherings, downloading COVID Alert PA and answering the call. Stay calm, stay alert and stay safe.”
The COVID-19 virus, also known as SARS-CoV-2, mutates regularly as virus mutation is common.
