First Case of Highly Contagious Coronavirus Variant in U.S. Detected in Colorado

Aspen, Colorado

The first known case of the more transmissible form of the coronavirus, known as Covid-19 B.1.1.7, has surfaced in Colorado, health officials there said.

The new form of the coronavirus was first discovered in the United Kingdom two weeks ago and has been spreading rapidly there, resulting in a lockdown of much of southern England including London.

The state’s governor announced the news in a tweet.

‘Today we discovered Colorado’s first case of the Covd-19 variant B.1.1.7, the same variant discovered in the UK,” said Governor Jared Polis. “The health and safety of Coloradans is our top priority and we will monitor this case, as well as all Covid-19 indicators, very closely.”

Health officials and scientists say that preliminary data indicates that the variant is more contagious than the more prevalent variant. It does not make those who have it sicker nor is it more deadly.

The patient is a male in his 20s in Elbert County, officials said.

“The individual has no close contacts identified so far but public health officials are working to identify other potential cases and contacts through thorough contact tracing interviews,” officials in the governor’s office said.

(Photo: Accura Media Group)