First Case of More Contagious Coronavirus Strain Now on Georgia Case Count

The new, more contagious coronavirus strain first identified in the UK is now part of the Georgia case count.

New York Times reported that the Georgia case count stands at least 672, 849 and will likely surge in the presence of the new coronavirus strain in the state.

The Georgia resident found to have the new coronavirus strain was an 18-year-old male who had no recent travel history and is currently isolating at home, officials told NBC-affiliated channel 11 Alive.

Officials are working to identify if the teen's close contacts have to be included in the Georgia case count as well. They will be monitored closely and tested for the variant.

Department of Public Health officials said that the new variant was found during an analysis of a specimen sent by a Georgian pharmacy.

The specific location of the patient was not release.

New Coronavirus Strain A 'Wake-up Call' for Georgians

The coronavirus strain, known as B.1.1.7, was seen in epidemiologic tests as more contagious than other variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19.

However, there is no evidence that it can cause more severe illness or higher risk of death.

It was first discovered in the United Kingdom but has since moved on to other countries.

In the U.S. four other states have recorded cases so far: California, Colorado, Florida, and New York. All of the first cases have not shown any recent travel history.

The Hill noted in its report that the absence of travel history could mean the new virus strain is already spreading within the communities.

Given the nature of the virus strain, experts believe Georgians should exercise more caution and continue to adhere to safety and mitigation procedures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

"The emergence of this variant in our state should be a wake-up call for all Georgians," DPH Commissioner Commissioner Kathleen E. Toomey said in a report from CBS affiliate WRBL.

Toomey added that with the rollout of vaccines starting in the country, the residents should still keep their guard up against the virus.

"Even as we begin roll out of a COVID-19 vaccine, we must not let down our guard and ignore basic prevention measures - wear a mask, social distance and wash your hands frequently," said Toomey.

Top infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci also sid the new strain was something that residents and officials had to "follow very carefully."

He added that experts are "looking at it very intensively now."

Hospitalizations Could Swell with New Coronavirus Strain

Fauci added that even though British officials said vaccines appear to still be effective against the virus, "we're going to be doing the studies ourselves."

Dr. John T. Brooks, the Chief Medical Officer for the CDC Emergency COVID-19 Response, also told FOX 5 also noted that the new coronavirus strain could lead to a swell in the Georgia case count.

The Georgia Department of Public Health reported that hospitalizations have been at the highest since the start of the pandemic with 5,286 recorded on Tuesday.