Colorado Confirms Coronavirus Variant Case

Colorado Governor Jared Polis announced on December 29, 2020, the first case of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus variant B.1.1.7 in Elbert County, which is located southeast of Denver. The individual is a male in his 20s, has no travel history, and has no close contacts identified. Still, Colorado public health officials are working to identify other potential cases and contacts through thorough contact tracing interviews.

Jill Hunsaker Ryan, Executive Director, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, stated in a press release, “We are currently using all the tools available to protect public health and mitigate the spread of this variant.”

The original virus strain, detected in Wuhan, China, during December 2019, was the L virus strain. The virus then mutated into the S strain at the beginning of 2020. V and G strains were followed by Strain G mutated yet further into strains GR, GH, and GV. Several other infrequent mutations were collectively grouped as strain O.

This is the same virus variant initially confirmed in the United Kingdom (UK) on December 21, 2020. Scientists have reported the B.1.1.7 variant to be more contagious than previously identified strains of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

The U.S. CDC stated on December 28, 2020, 'Since November 2020, the UK has reported a rapid increase in COVID-19 cases and has been linked to a different version—or variant—of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. As new information becomes available, the CDC will provide updates.'