Oklahoma top health state health expert says Oklahoma has seen no significant presence of new variants of the COVID-19 virus by laboratory testing.
However, Dr. Jared Taylor, State Epidemiologist, said some initial test results have been identified which might be consistent with one of the new strains.
Recently, a small group of samples obtained from Oklahomans were examined for the possibility of mutations, including those associated with the B.1.1.7 variant of COVID-19 — the “U.K strain.” These samples were specifically identified because of initial test results that could be consistent with the “U.K. strain,” Dr. Taylor said.
This sequencing work was done in a research setting, not fully consistent with the approach advocated by the CDC for tracking the B.1.1.7 or other variants. The results suggest mutations were present in several of them, including one that matched the profile of the B.1.1.7 strain. Because of the research nature of the work, the results are not definitive, Dr. Taylor said.
Regardless, state epidemiologists speculate the “U.K. strain” likely already is present and circulating in Oklahoma, as it has already been detected in other states with local transmission. This strain is more transmissible than the strain that has been in the U.S. today, and will likely spread faster, Dr. Taylor said.
“We’re currently taking steps to track and identify any new strains. Right now, Oklahoma does not have a regular, systematic surveillance process in place for identifying new strains. Doing so requires sequencing of the viral genome, which is an involved process and isn’t routine,” Dr. Taylor said.
“We have a communication out to labs to submit any suspicious samples for further investigation and will begin further surveillance efforts soon given the likelihood that one of the new COVID-19 variants has made, or will eventually make its way, to Oklahoma. We’re grateful to the Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, in conjunction with the OSU Diagnostic lab, for their work in sample acquisition and sequencing,” Dr. Taylor said.
Because the “U.K. strain” is more transmissible, it is more important than ever Oklahomans take precautions to protect themselves and others. Limit exposure to people outside one’s own household and follow the three W’s: wear a mask, wash hands and watch distances, Dr. Taylor said.
As of right now, there is no evidence to suggest the COVID-19 vaccines currently in production won’t be effective against new strains of COVID-19 — so it is important to continue our progress through the vaccine distribution plan, Dr. Taylor said.
Friday’s reported numbers from the Oklahoma Department of Health show Custer County had 184 active cases and 48 deaths, including four reported in the past 24 hours.
Three of those were reported in Weatherford, which now has 17 deaths and 64 active cases. Another 27 deaths are being reported in Clinton, which is reporting 92 active cases.
Other Custer County communities with cases include: Arapaho — 12 active cases and four deaths; Butler — two active cases; Custer City — three active cases; Thomas — nine active cases.