TOPEKA – Three cases of the B.1.1.7 variant that causes COVID-19 have been identified in Shawnee County and confirmed via whole genome sequencing conducted through the laboratories at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), according to a media release from the Shawnee County Health Department.
Shawnee County received confirmation of these three cases Tuesday morning. These are the first cases of this variant to be identified in Shawnee County and among more than 30 cases of this variant identified across Kansas.
Variant strains are mutations of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that cause COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classifies variants in three categories: Variant of Interest, Variant of Concern and Variant of High Consequences. The CDC has classified B.1.1.7, also known as the U.K. Variant, as a Variant of Concern because of the increased likelihood of severe disease and increased level of transmission.
The Shawnee County Health Department (SCHD) urges residents to continue being vigilant about wearing their masks, watching their distance, and washing their hands among other preventative hygiene measures to limit the spread of the COVID-19 in our community.
Additionally, it continues to be important to get tested for COVID-19 should an individual begin exhibiting symptoms related to COVID-19 or come in contact with a confirmed positive case. Testing continues to be available and free to Shawnee County residents. To find a location near you, visit: www.gogettested.com/kansas
“With the confirmation of the B.1.1.7 variant in Shawnee County and the recent uptick of COVID-19 cases in Shawnee County and across the nation, it is important that we as a community continue to do what we can to limit the spread of the virus,” said Dr. Erin Locke, Shawnee County Health Officer.
“It’s important to not get complacent; we continue to promote proper mask wear and encourage all eligible Shawnee County residents to get vaccinated when they are able.”