COVID-19 variant found in Sauk County

An individual who tested positive for COVID-19 has been found to have a variant of the virus.

The test found the presence of strain B.1.427, which is considered a concern to the CDC. It was initially found in California in 2020.

To identify variants, the Department of Health Services, Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene and other lab partners are performing genome sequencing on a portion of positive tests. This is the only way to identify variants.

According to the Sauk County Health Department, this variant is more easily spread from person to person, so personnel are encouraging the public to continue wearing masks, washing hands and keeping distance.