Allegheny County Sees First Case Of Coronavirus U.K. Variant

PITTSBURGH, PA — Allegheny County Health Department officials on Wednesday said the first confirmed case of the coronavirus UK variant has occurred in the county. County Health Department director Dr. Debra Bogen said the person who has it isn't sure how they contracted it.

The United Kingdom variant - called B.1.1.7 - was first identified last fall. It spreads more easily and quickly than other variants. In January, experts in the United Kingdom reported that this variant may be associated with an increased risk of death compared to other variant viruses, but that more studies are needed to confirm that.

This particular variant has been detected in many countries around the world. This variant was first detected in America in late December; health officials have predicted it could become the dominant strain of the virus by next month.

Pennsylvania has had two cases thus far, in Bucks County and Centre County.