DOVER — The state’s first three cases of the COVID-19 variant, SARS-CoV-2 B117, were confirmed by the Delaware Division of Public Health on Friday.

This variant was first discovered in the United Kingdom in December and has commonly been referred to as the UK variant. Twenty-six other states have reported at least one case of the UK variant as of Thursday at 6 p.m.

Early studies have shown that the recently rolled out COVID-19 vaccine does work against this variant. DPH Medical Director Dr. Rick Hong said state officials were on a call this week with Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, during which Dr. Fauci expressed confidence in the vaccine against the UK variant.

“It does seem like there is protection for the variant,” Dr. Hong said. “We do see that with influenza, too. There are mutations, and even though it’s not a perfect match, there’s enough data to show the flu vaccine provides some level of protection to other variants. That’s the same it looks like with COVID-19.”

The three Delaware individuals who tested positive for the UK variant were all from New Castle County and share a household. All three tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this month, according to the DPH.

The cases involved two adults ranging in age from 35-64, as well as a child under age 10. All three individuals had mild symptoms, the DPH said. The cases were identified through routine surveillance of test specimens performed by the DPH laboratory.

The three had no known travel exposure; however, the DPH said they may have been exposed while attending a family gathering with persons who live in other states where the variant has been identified. It was reported that people at the gathering did not consistently wear face coverings or socially distance from one another for long periods of time.

Case investigation and contact tracing to identify, inform and monitor anyone who was in close contact with these individuals is ongoing, according to the DPH. The DPH has also been in close contact with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as it continues to track cases of COVID-19 variants in states.

“While we understand that people may be concerned, it’s important to know that while preliminary data suggests this variant may spread more easily and quickly than SARS-CoV-2, it is not clear if it may cause more severe illness than the more common coronavirus,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay in a statement. “It is not entirely surprising news that it is now in Delaware as this variant has appeared in neighboring states over the last month. Our approach and treatments are not any different, but as this new variant is more contagious, it is even more important that we remain vigilant and continue taking the necessary steps to avoid spreading the virus — wear a mask, wash your hands, avoid gatherings.”