The UK COVID variant has arrived in Massachusetts.What you need to know – NBC Boston

Massachusetts health officials announced earlier this week The first confirmed case of a new, more contagious COVID variant In fear that mutations to the virus could exacerbate the pandemic.

The state has identified only one of the first new variants detected in the UK, but health experts say it is likely to be circulating in the state for several weeks.

According to the agency, the variant is believed to spread faster than the form of the virus present in the United States, and the Massachusetts State Public Health Institute is working with clinical diagnostic laboratories and academic partners to monitor it. Is in progress. Of health.

This is what we know about new stocks and their arrival in Massachusetts.

What we know about the first case detected

According to the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC), the individual is a Boston woman in her twenties who returned to Boston on January 3, connecting to Logan International Airport for two hours and then flying to another state.

According to the Massachusetts Public Health Service, the woman became ill the day after returning from her trip to the United Kingdom. The woman tested positive for COVID-19 in early January, although she tested negative for the virus before leaving the UK.

According to BPHC, she is currently symptomatic and remains flying from Boston.

Samples taken from women are tested in out-of-state laboratories as part of a process set up by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to monitor potential spread of the mutant, formally called B.1.1.7. Did. Officials said.

How many variants are there in Massachusetts?

Dr. Catherine Gergenburnet of the Boston Medical Center said that was likely not the first case.

“The fact that we identified it in Massachusetts yesterday does not mean that this is our first case. We think it is likely that this has been circulating in our group for several weeks. “

Boston residents tested positive for the new UKCOVID-19 variant after a two-hour transfer at Logan Airport and flying from the United Kingdom to another US state.

“I think it’s very important that people are incredibly vigilant, but don’t be too vigilant and afraid. We know that the virus mutates. This is because the virus It’s part of what you do to stay alive. “

Dr. Gergen Barnett says there is some positive news about this particular variant that seems to spread faster, but less deadly.

“There is good data that the peplomer proteins that actually modeled the vaccine are similar enough that the vaccine is likely to be effective,” she said.

Governor Charlie Baker said the new COVID-19 mutation is likely already in Massachusetts and explains the state’s vaccine distribution timeline.

Earlier this month, Governor Charlie Baker said his administration was working under the assumption that a new, more contagious variant of the coronavirus had arrived in the state, urging residents to follow health guidelines. ..

“I think most of us are working on the assumption that we are here,” Baker said at a press conference at the Baystate Medical Center in Springfield on January 5.

Where else was the variant detected in New England?

Connecticut officials announced two cases of this variant earlier this month.

According to the state, this variant, known as B.1.1.7, was discovered by two people between the ages of 15 and 25 living in New Haven County. One of the individuals recently traveled to Ireland and the other to New York.

When the COVID-19 vaccine was deployed, one study found that it had reached a disproportionate population of whites before blacks and other minority communities. Shelby Livingston, Senior Healthcare Reporter, one of the authors of the Business Insider Report, attended LX News to discuss differences in vaccination rates and questions raised about racial equality.

The two developed symptoms within 3-4 days of returning to Connecticut. According to the state, the two cases are unrelated, according to the genetic sequence of the virus.

“As I said last week, given the speed of this new virus chain and its identification in several states across the country, we speculate that it’s already in our state, and this information this morning confirms that fact. “Governor Lamont said in a statement.

“This is another reason why everyone needs to continue to take precautions to prevent the transmission of this disease, such as wearing a face cover and practicing social distance. The health of Connecticut residents is me. As our top priority, public health authorities will continue to closely monitor these cases and other developments of this infectious virus. “

Vermont health officials also said they were working under the assumption that a new strain had arrived.

What you need to know about UK variants

So far, a total of 88 B.1.1.7 variants have been identified in 14 states, according to the Ministry of Health. Massachusetts is the second state found in New England. Two detected in Connecticut More than a week ago.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis said Tuesday that the first COVID-19 mutant detected in the United Kingdom was detected in Colorado. British scientists believe that this variant is more contagious than previous strains of the virus.

However, the CDC could spread the B.1.1.7 variant of COVID-19 faster this week, as By March it could become the predominant form of the virus in the United States..

“Efforts are needed to prepare the healthcare system for further outbreaks of cases. Increased infection rates are to achieve the same level of disease control to protect the public compared to less infected variants. It also means that we need to achieve higher than expected vaccination rates, “said the CDC report.

According to health officials and vaccine manufacturers, existing COVID-19 vaccines are considered to be as effective against new mutants as they are against the initial form of the virus.

There are other variants besides those found in the United Kingdom, including those found in South Africa and Brazil.

According to health officials and vaccine manufacturers, existing COVID-19 vaccines are considered to be as effective against new mutants as they are against the initial form of the virus.

There are other variants besides those found in the United Kingdom, including those found in South Africa and Brazil.