(KAIR)--A COVID-19 variant has been confirmed in Atchison County.
That word is delivered in a release from the Atchison County office of the Northeast Kansas Multi-County Health Departments and Atchison County Emergency Management.
According to the release, the variant, the first confirmed in Atchison County, is identified as the P.1 variant, described by the Centers for Disease Control as having first been identified in Brazil, and later in Tokyo, Japan. It was first confirmed in the United States at the end of January.
P.1 is listed as a variant of concern, meaning there is evidence of an increase in transmissibility, more severe disease, leading to increased hospitalizations or death, and a reduced effectiveness of vaccines.
The release encourages Atchison County residents to continue to wear face masks in public places, practice social distancing, continue proper handwashing, and to get tested and stay home if symptoms begin to be shown.
According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, variants of concern, including P.1, are confirmed in five additional local counties, with two cases confirmed in both Doniphan and Brown counties, while seven are confirmed in Jefferson County. Leavenworth and Pottawatomie counties have four confirmed cases each.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Two arrested after Doniphan Co traffic stop
Seven arrested in Atchison drug investigation
Atchison man sentenced on child sex charge
Updated: Mayetta woman now accused of attempted murder
Sabetha Community Hospital appoints new CEO
Two arrested after Jackson Co pursuit and manhunt
Atchison woman sentenced on charges in fatal crash
Heavy rain contributed to wreck injuring one person
One killed, 3 injured in NW MO crash
Man arrested in Tecumseh, Neb following standoff
Atchison man facing drug-related charges in Jackson Co
Longtime Sabetha Fire Chief recognized for service
Longtime Nemaha Co Appraiser retires
Jackson Co traffic stop results in two arrests
Atchison Co: Motorists reminded to use only hwy detours
Hiawatha City Commission sets fireworks dates, times
Child abuse arrest made in Pawnee County
Brown Co Appraiser re-appointed
Brownville under consideration for small modular nuclear reactor
LATEST STORIES
Big Beautiful Bill discussed at Town Hall meeting in Humboldt
Richardson County approves annual insurance package
Atchison man facing drug-related charges in Jackson Co
Updated: Mayetta woman now accused of attempted murder
Nominees sought to fill local judicial seat
Protect yourself from West Nile Virus
Unemployment figures mixed in SE Nebraska in May
Purchase of 2 patrol units for Richardson Co Sheriff's Office approved