DETROIT – Michigan health officials are tracking a confirmed case of the more contagious South African variant of COVID-19. READ: Everything we know about virus variants in Michigan, USWhat is the South African variant? The B117 variant of the coronavirus appears to be at least 50 percent more transmissible. One particular mutation in the B117 variant, known as the N501Y, has already been found in other variants across the world. READ: Michigan confirms first case of South African COVID variant in Jackson CountyRead more:

IONIA, Mich. – Ninety cases of the SARS-CoV-2 B117 variant have been identified at the Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility in Ionia, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Officials said the COVID-19 variant cases were identified after daily testing of inmates and staff at the facility. According to health officials, of those 90 cases, 88 are prisoners and two are employees. Health officials advise that Michiganders should:Wash hands often. AdEarlier this month, the variant was identified in Kent County after already identified in Wayne and Washtenaw counties.