FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 11, 2021
LAS VEGAS – The Southern Nevada Health District has identified the first known case of the B.1.617.2 variant in Clark County. The B.1.617.2 variant was first identified in India and is considered a variant of concern. The variant was detected locally in a sample tested by the Southern Nevada Public Health Laboratory. The public health laboratory conducts sequencing as part of ongoing surveillance efforts to detect variants that may be circulating in Clark County.
The Clark County resident who tested positive for the B.1.617.2 variant is a woman in her 20s. She did not report any recent travel, was not hospitalized, and has not received the COVID-19 vaccine. A contact investigation is being conducted.
“We have made tremendous steps in our efforts to stop the pandemic in our community,” said Dr. Fermin Leguen, District Health Officer for the Southern Nevada Health District. “However, the identification of another COVID-19 variant is a reminder that while many of us are fully vaccinated and enjoying activities with family and friends again, the pandemic isn’t over, and we must continue to take steps to protect ourselves and other people.”
New variants of the virus that cause COVID-19 are spreading in the United States. Current data suggest that COVID-19 vaccines currently authorized for use offer protection against most variants.
To date in Clark County the following variants have been detected: 242 cases of the B.1.1.7; five cases of B.1351; five cases of B.1.429; and 28 cases of P.1.
The Health District continues to recommend everyone who is eligible get vaccinated. The vaccine is safe, effective, and free. As of May 10, there have been 933,885 COVID-19 doses initiated, 713,962 doses completed, and a total of 1,586,045 COVID-19 doses administered in Clark County. Appointments at Health District and community partner vaccine clinics are available at www.snhd.info/covid-vaccine. Additional clinic information can also be found online at www.NVCOVIDFighter.org. The site also features live chat support to make scheduling a COVID-19 vaccine appointment and getting information about the vaccine more accessible.
Genetic variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 have been circulating since the beginning of the pandemic. Variants classified as a variant of interest have the potential to be more transmissible and more resistant to treatment and the current vaccines. Variants of interest that are circulating are monitored and reclassified if they become variants of concern. More information about the variants currently circulating can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/transmission/variant.html.
More information about COVID-19, including case updates, vaccination and testing clinics, and available resources is available on the Health District website at www.SNHD.info/covid.
The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.