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Virus variants of concern confirmed in Jefferson Co

By Brian Hagen

04/20/2021

Credit: CDC.gov

(KAIR)--Coronavirus variants of concern, as the Centers for Disease Control identifies them, have been discovered in Jefferson County.

That information was released Monday during a COVID-19-focused update provided to the Jefferson County Commission by Health Department Administrator Crystal Vanhoutan.

Vanhoutan, addressing the Commissioners during their regular weekly meeting, told them the variants are identified as B117 and B1429.

According to the CDC website, the variants are being closely monitored, with the variants “having mutations in the virus genome that alter the characteristics and cause the virus to act differently in ways that are significant to public health.” Examples of differences noted by the CDC include causing more severe disease, spreads more easily between humans, requires different treatments, and changes the effectiveness of current vaccines.”

According to Vanhoutan, Jefferson County, as of Monday, reported 6 new positive cases of COVID-19 since April 12, with a total of 16 positive cases during the ten day period leading up to Monday.

Vaccinations for the virus have now been provided to all Jefferson County residents on the waiting list, with clinics continuing this week for those who have not yet received a vaccination.

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