Elkhart County has confirmed its first case of a COVID-19 variant

ELKHART COUNTY, Ind. -- The Elkhart County Health Department announced Elkhart County’s first confirmed case of a COVID-19 variant today.

The health department reported the COVID-19 variant is the British version, known as “B117”.

No further details of the patient’s conditions are being shared currently as the department continues to investigate this case.

The St. Joseph County Health Department confirmed its first variant COVID-19 case, which was the same variant strain, last week.

Total confirmed variant cases of this COVID-19 strain is now nearing 60 in the Hoosier state.

Health department officials are urging people to continue to wear masks, social distance, wash hands, and get vaccinated when given the opportunity.

"With the presence of new variants, we certainly are concerned and continuing our communication with the Elkhart County Health Department and Dr. Wait to make sure that we are on top of our messaging," said Corinne Straight-Reed, Director of Communication for Mayor Rod Roberson. "We know that people still need to get vaccinated."