KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services Department announced Monday that three additional cases of a COVID-19 variant, B.1.1.7., have been identified in Kalamazoo County.
Officials say these three new cases are not linked to the first case identified in Kalamazoo County. That case was previously identified last week.
Currently, public health is conducting disease investigation and contact tracing to identify close contacts. All close contacts will be quarantined for 14 days and encouraged to get tested for COVID-19.
General details on those testing positive for the variant in Kalamazoo County include:
- Person over the age of 80 years old, no travel history
- Person in 20s, with travel history
- Person in 50s, no travel history
- Person in 30s, unknown travel history
Officials add that all viruses change over time, and the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant is thought to have emerged in the United Kingdom. It has since been found in many other countries and states.
This variant spreads more easily and is believed to be more contagious. However, officials say there has been no indication that this variant is more severe.
“The three new cases identified of the COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7. without clear connection between each other tells us that community spread is likely occurring. This is not unexpected news. We know this variant is more contagious,” Medical Director of Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services Department Dr. William Nettleton said in a statement. “It is important that we continue to wear masks, social distance, avoid social gatherings, wash our hands, get tested for COVID-19, and get vaccinated when it is available to you.”
Based on available evidence, current tests and vaccines for COVID-19 also work against this new variant. Protective actions that prevent the spread of COVID-19 will also prevent the spread of the new variant, B.1.1.7. People should:
- Get vaccinated for COVID-19 once eligible and vaccine supply is available.
- Wear a facemask around others.
- Stay 6 feet apart from others.
- Wash hands often.
- Ventilate indoor spaces.
Kalamazoo County health officials also encourage people to get tested frequently to slow the spread of any variant of the virus. Testing is widely available throughout Kalamazoo County.
People who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, such as a dry cough, fever, body aches, a sudden loss of smell or taste, or fatigue should get tested by calling their primary care provider or visiting one of the testing sites in Kalamazoo County.
Testing site and COVID-19 information can be found at www.kalcounty.com/covid19.
This comes after the variant was recently discovered in Calhoun County. More information on that development can be found here.
Additionally, the variant was also recently found in a Van Buren County resident. More information on that is available here.
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