First COVID-19 variant case found in US New Mexico

HOUSTON -- The first case of the COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7, the same variant discovered in the United Kingdom, was found in the U.S. state of New Mexico, authorities confirmed on Wednesday.

New Mexico's Department of Health said the variant was found in a man in his 60s who is associated with traveling to the UK in December 2020. The man is currently recovering from mild symptoms with no need of hospitalization, said the department.

At this point, officials have not identified any close contacts of the patient within the state.

According to the department, as of Jan. 12, the state has reported nearly 158,000 cases of COVID-19 with the death toll of 2,794.