"DRYDEN, Ont. – A COVID-19 variant that is significantly more contagious and possibly more lethal has been detected in the Dryden area.
The B.1.1.7 variant, first found in the United Kingdom, was found following screening of positive results, the Northwester Health Unit reported Friday.
It’s the first time one of three variants of concern tracked by health authorities has been detected in either the Northwestern Health Unit or the Thunder Bay District Health Unit. As of Feb. 25, nearly 500 cases of the variant had been detected across Ontario.
The case in question is no longer active, the health unit said, while a statement issued Friday reassured the public the individual had followed all self-isolation requirements.
The variant is not known to be linked to a recent surge of cases in the Kenora region, the agency stated.
The case was a result of travel outside the region, the health unit confirmed.
NWHU medical officer of health Dr. Kit Young warned the presence of the variant could challenge efforts to contain the spread of the virus.
“Variants of concern are known to spread much faster than non-variant COVID-19,” said NWHU medical officer of health Dr. Kit Young Hoon. “When a virus spreads within a day or two, instead of a week or two, many people can become infected and further spread the virus quickly.”
“This means it is more likely that someone will be severely ill simply because so many more people are impacted. Also, there is some evidence that this variant can increase the risk of death.”
Modelling by the Centres for Disease Control estimated the B.1.1.7 variant could become the dominant strain in the United States within weeks, and may be 50 per cent more transmissible than previous strains.
That makes it more important than ever to follow public health guidelines, said Young Hoon.
"This should not be cause for panic, but it is a wake-up call to all residents to take prevention measures seriously," she said. "The threat of COVID-19 in our area is very real."
All positive COVID-19 results in the NWHU are currently being screened for variants of concern.
