The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) on Monday confirmed three cases of the COVID-19 variant, SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7., in Iowa.

The virus variant is often referred to as the U.K. variant because it was first detected in the United Kingdom. Based on epidemiologic and modeling data, researchers believe that the B.1.1.7 strain can be spread more easily than the original COVID-19 strain. Current vaccines are considered to be effective against the variant strain.

"Viruses constantly change through mutation, and new variants of a virus are expected to occur over time," said Dr. Caitlin Pedati, state medical director and epidemiologist, in a news release. "Sometimes new variants emerge and disappear. Other times, new variants emerge and persist. Multiple variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 have been documented in the United States and globally during this pandemic."

Two of the three B.1.1.7 cases were detected in Johnson County and one was confirmed in Bremer County. IDPH and local public health initiated contact with these individuals to understand their exposures and initiate the health monitoring process. As with every COVID-19 infection, the individuals were advised to isolate in accordance with IDPH and CDC guidance.

These case counts only represent the variant strains that are confirmed through genomic sequencing, and may not accurately reflect the true number of variant cases.

The positive cases were identified by the State Hygienic Lab (SHL). SHL has been participating in the CDC's SARS-CoV-2 Strain Surveillance Program by sending COVID-19 test samples to be sequenced for the B.1.1.7 variant since early December. SHL recently began doing its own internal sequencing of 45 specimens per week to look specifically for the variant. Routine analysis of genetic sequence data assisted in identifying the new variant strain in Iowa, according to IDPH.

Pedati said the emergence of new variants underscores the need for Iowans to continue mitigation efforts like wearing a face covering in public, practicing social distancing, washing your hands frequently and staying home when you feel sick.

Contact your local public health agency for information about receiving a COVID-19 vaccine or visit coronavirus.iowa.gov.