More infectious COVID-19 variant detected in Durham County case

At least one person in Durham County has tested positive for the more infectious B.1.1.7 variant of COVID-19. The case was confirmed on Wednesday, and the county announced it on Thursday.

The infected individual is in isolation, and anyone who made have had contact with that person has been notified.

COVID-19 variants are known to be present in North Carolina and most other U.S. states, but their prevalence is unclear.

"There have been variant cases found in several other counties across the state, as well as in at least 45 states across the nation, so we did expect that eventually we would see variant cases here as well," said Durham County Health Director Rod Jenkins.

Studies have shown that the B.1.1.7 variant spreads more easily than other strains of the virus. It serves as a reminder for the public to keep up with the common preventative measures of frequent and thorough hand-washing, mask wearing and maintaining distance.

"It remains extremely important to follow the 3 W's -- wear your properly fitting mask, wait 6 feet apart from each other, and wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds each time," said Jenkins. "It is also critical to be vaccinated when it is your turn. We know that these are the best available methods to protect against COVID-19 and its variants."