First known COVID variant case detected in Durham County, health officials say
The first known B.1.1.7 variant of COVID-19 — the more contagious strain that was first discovered in the United Kingdom — has been detected in Durham County, health officials said Thursday.
Durham County Health Director Rod Jenkins said detecting the case in Durham was expected, as several cases already have been identified across the state since the first one was confirmed on Jan. 27. There are 37 known cases in North Carolina, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
It has been detected in 45 states so far, the CDC reports.
The person who has this variant is in isolation, the health department said, and contacts have been identified. No information was provided about the person.
There is one known case in North Carolina of the other COVID-19 variant, B. 1.351, which was first detected in South Africa, the CDC reports. It was first confirmed Feb. 11, The News & Observer reports.
This story will be updated.
