Another COVID-19 variant found in eastern Nebraska

    The Department of Health and Human Services and Nebraska Public Health Lab have confirmed that the B.1.617 variant of COVID-19 that originated in India has arrived in the state.
    The initial case was identified in a Lancaster County resident who, through investigations, has been linked to international travelers. The investigation is ongoing.
    The identified B.1.617 variant appears to be spreading in the United States in recent weeks, but is not accounting for a substantial amount of the variants identified nationally.
    International travelers should seek testing within 3-5 days after return to Nebraska. Testing platforms like Test Nebraska and others will still produce a “positive” result for the identified B.1.617 variant (and other variants).
    B.1.617 appears more contagious than standard SARS-CoV-2 strains, DHHS officials say. It is expected that vaccinations will remain effective, although some studies show higher levels of antibodies are required to neutralize B.1.617 than the level of antibodies required to neutralize standard SARS-CoV-2 strains.
    A total of 875 variants of concern have been identified in the state.
    Nebraskans can register for vaccination at Vaccinate.Ne.Gov or by calling local outlets administering the vaccine directly.