Fox21Online May 7, 2021 Itasca County health officials say the P.1 variant which originated in Brazil was identified through genetic sequencing. “Virus mutations are possible when and where a virus spreads from person to person, which is why getting to widespread immunity is so critical here in Itasca County and around the world,” said Kelly Chandler, Itasca County Public Health division manager. “Vaccines are working well here and are widely available. Every Itasca resident is encouraged to consider vaccination as soon as possible.” According to a news release, Itasca County is the only county in Northeast Minnesota to report having all four of the most common variants of the virus.