DES MOINES, Iowa -- The India variant of COVID-19 now has a presence in Iowa.
The state Department of Public Health is confirming two cases in Jefferson County and is now studying the strain's characteristics.
The department says the India strain is not designated as a "variant of concern" because there's no evidence that it's more contagious or causes more serious symptoms.
It says it's sharing the information because of the virus impact and newly issued travel restrictions to India.
The Iowa health department has designated COVID-19 strains from Brazil and the UK as a "variants of concern."