IOWA - The Iowa Department of Public Health is confirming the first case of the Brazilian variant of COVID-19 in the state.
The case is in Johnson County, and the person testing positive is not being identified.
The department says it's still learning about the Brazilian variant, including the effectiveness of vaccines against it.
The state currently has 223 cases of the UK variant, which is more contagious than previous strains.
The case involving the Brazilian variant was identified by the State Hygienic Lab, which is conducting research to understand what strains are circulating in Iowa and contribute to the understanding of COVID-19 activity in the United States. The Lab says routine analysis of data helped to identify the presence of the Brazilian variant.
IDPH say the emergence of new variants underscores that it remains critical for Iowans to continue the mitigation efforts that we know work to slow the spread of COVID-19:
- Wear a mask or face covering
- Practice social distancing with those outside your household
- Clean your hands frequently with soap and water
- Stay home if you feel sick
- Get tested if you are exposed to, or have symptoms of COVID-19
- Get a COVID-19 vaccine when one is offered to you
- If you have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19, review CDC guidelines here