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COVID-19: Second case of UK variant found in Wisconsin

The Wisconsin public health lab confirmed the second case of the U.K. variant of COVID-19 in the state.Continuing Coverage: Coronavirus in WisconsinThe Wisconsin Department of Health Services and laboratory partners identified the second variant strain of SARS-CoV-2 Saturday in Wisconsin.The first case was found in Eau Claire County last month.The particular variant, referred to as B.1.1.7, was first discovered circulating widely in England last November. "A new study out of the UK showed that the strain there may unfortunately be 35% more deadly than the conventional strain and up to 70% more contagious," Director of Medical Services of the Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management Dr. Ben Weston said.State health officials said the second case of the variant was found in Waukesha County."The case that was detected in Waukesha County was identified after testing positive for COVID-19," Waukesha County Health Officer Benjamen Jones said in a statement. "That individual was successfully contact traced and instructed to isolate. We are working in cooperation with DHS to gather additional details to facilitate statewide monitoring."It's not clear whether the second patient had recently traveled.Based on epidemiologic and modeling studies, researchers believe the new strain spreads more rapidly and easily than the original strain of SARS-CoV-2. "It is concerning that we have identified a second case of a variant that spreads more easily. We are able to sequence a small proportion of tests collected which means in reality, there are likely many more cases of this variant in Wisconsin," said Dr. Ryan Westergaard, Chief Medical Officer in the DHS Bureau of Communicable Diseases. "All viruses evolve and develop new genetic mutations as they replicate, and sometimes the new mutations can make them more dangerous. Fortunately, we can prevent the virus from replicating and mutating – we can do this by consistently using all the tools we have for stopping the spread."In Wisconsin, the strain was identified through ongoing surveillance and whole-genome sequencing, a routine practice since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Officials said all viruses, including the virus that causes COVID-19, change through mutation, and new variants of the virus are expected to occur over time. The first patient had recently traveled abroad. Now in the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic, molecular surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 will increase in importance to quickly identify and understand new variants, the DHS said."We will also be looking at that very carefully and following it carefully," Dr. Anthony Fauci said in January. "But right now, the data indicate that the UK mutant is still quite sensitive to the antibodies that are induced by the vaccine."Officials said the emerging mutations of SARS-CoV-2 may be more infectious and it is critically important to follow best public health practices, including wearing a mask, staying home, maintaining physical distance, and washing hands frequently. "They're around. They are not predominant at this point, most likely," said Dr. Matt Anderson with UW Health. "Will they become predominant or not? Hope not, but it certainly seems to be what we're seeing trending in other states and locations."According to the Centers for Disease Control, there have been at least 690 cases of the UK variant reported in 33 states.Sign up for coronavirus email alerts from WISNGet breaking news alerts with the WISN 12 app.Follow us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

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COVID-19: UK variant found in Wisconsin

The Wisconsin public health lab confirmed the first case of the U.K. variant of COVID-19 in the state.

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