First Case of Brazil COVID-19 Variant Detected in Massachusetts
The first case of the coronavirus variant that originated in Brazil has been detected in Massachusetts, Mass. Public Health confirmed on Tuesday.
The individual who tested positive for the P.1 COVID-19 variant is a woman in her 30s who lives in Barnstable County. DPH stated in their press release that they were notified of her test results from genetic sequencing conducted through the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s national surveillance system. As of now, there is no information available on the woman’s illness or whether she has recently traveled. In addition, she tested positive for COVID-19 in late February.
See below for more information and the official statement.
State Public Health Officials Announce First Case of the P.1 COVID-19 Variant of Concern in Massachusetts, Urge Continued Protective Measures https://t.co/UKw6CwC182 pic.twitter.com/acX0ZcbkDf
— Mass. Public Health (@MassDPH) March 16, 2021