3 Cases Of Fast-Spreading U.K. Coronavirus Variant Found In AZ

PHOENIX — A new, fast-spreading coronavirus variant has been discovered in Arizona, health officials said.

The Arizona Department of Health Services said in a news release that the state had detected at least three cases of the new variant, originating from the U.K., in recent tests. Britain discovered the variant in the fall and it was first found in the U.S. in December.

According to ADHS, which reported the cases with the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, the Pinal County Public Health Services District and Arizona State University, the new variant — called B.1.1.7 — spreads at a faster rate but the vaccines authorized for use appear to be effective against it.

"It is typical for viruses to change through mutation, and new variants of a virus are expected to occur over time," the news release said. "Sometimes new variants emerge and disappear. Other times, new variants appear and linger."

Other variants originating from South Africa and Brazil have been identified in the U.S., but neither have been discovered in Arizona.

It is not yet known how much the U.K. variant has spread throughout Arizona, but ADHS is monitoring the situation with laboratory and public health partners, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

ADHS suggests following proven mitigation methods to help contain the spread of the virus, including wearing a mask, social distancing and staying home when you can. Arizona currently has the highest infection rate in the country.

As of Friday, nearly 750,000 coronavirus cases have been identified in Arizona in the last year, with more than 13,000 known deaths reported from the virus.