First Case Of UK Virus Variant Confirmed In North Carolina

RALEIGH, NC — The first North Carolina case of a COVID-19 variant first detected in the United Kingdom has been confirmed in Mecklenburg County, according to a statement from North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

The B.1.1.7 variant, first identified in December, was detected in an adult patient, the statement read.

So far, 195 cases of the B.1.1.7 strain have been reported in 21 U.S. states, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. While early data suggests the variant may be more contagious than others, current COVID-19 vaccines are expected to be effective against it.

For more information about if and when you may be eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine in North Carolina, visit yourspotyourshot.nc.gov.

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