The Iowa Department of Public Health on Tuesday confirmed two cases of the India variant of COVID-19 in Iowa. Health officials say they’re still learning about the characteristics of the variant, officially named SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617, which was first detected in India. IDPH said this variant is not designated as a “variant of concern,” because there is currently no evidence of increased transmissibility or severe disease associated with it. The cases, detected in an adult and an older adult in Jefferson County, are currently the only known cases of the variant in Iowa. (KCRG)