The first known case of the B-117 variant of COVID-19 in Nebraska has been identified, according to a news release from the Department of Health and Human Services.The DHHS said the person is a woman in her 20s who lives in Douglas County.According to the DHHS, the variant has been observed in 45 other states and is more easily transmitted.The DHHS added that both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have shown to be effective against the B-117 variant and that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine has also been proven effective. “The state has long stated that we suspected these new variants of this virus were circulating in Nebraska and we have been vigilant in our genomic sequencing efforts to quickly identify new variants to slow the spread. Masking, distancing, and getting vaccinated remain our best defenses against these new variants,” Dr. Gary Anthone, the state’s Chief Medical Officer, said.The DHHS said it has begun investigating the case and is conducting contact tracing.According to the news release, over 222,000 Nebraskans have registered to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.To register, go to vaccinate.ne.gov.Anyone who needs assistance, or has limited technology, language or internet access, can call 531-249-1873 or 833-998-2275.
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Neb. —
The first known case of the B-117 variant of COVID-19 in Nebraska has been identified, according to a news release from the Department of Health and Human Services.
The DHHS said the person is a woman in her 20s who lives in Douglas County.
According to the DHHS, the variant has been observed in 45 other states and is more easily transmitted.
The DHHS added that both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have shown to be effective against the B-117 variant and that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine has also been proven effective.
“The state has long stated that we suspected these new variants of this virus were circulating in Nebraska and we have been vigilant in our genomic sequencing efforts to quickly identify new variants to slow the spread. Masking, distancing, and getting vaccinated remain our best defenses against these new variants,” Dr. Gary Anthone, the state’s Chief Medical Officer, said.
The DHHS said it has begun investigating the case and is conducting contact tracing.
According to the news release, over 222,000 Nebraskans have registered to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
To register, go to vaccinate.ne.gov.
Anyone who needs assistance, or has limited technology, language or internet access, can call 531-249-1873 or 833-998-2275.