The Illinois Department of Public Health says that the new coronavirus strain that originated in South Africa has been detected in Illinois.
Only one case of the B-1351 strain is being reported for now. IDPH also says that 22 state residents have tested positive for the strain from the United Kingdom, also known as B-117.
IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said in a statement Thursday night that Illinois residents should continue to wear face masks and receive the COVID-19 vaccine once they are eligible. She says she expects to see more cases of the new strains in the state, as they can spread rapidly and lead to a larger surge in new cases.
Cases of the South African strain were first reported in the U.S. at the end of January. So far, studies suggest that antibodies generated through the current COVID-19 vaccines recognize these variants and may offer some protection. Additional studies are underway to determine the full extent.
Dr. Ezike says that IDPH will continue to work with local health departments, academic partners, laboratories and the CDC to monitor for cases. IDPH has increased its surveillance for the South African strain and other variants using genomic sequence testing on an increased number of specimens.
