First Texas case of more contagious coronavirus variant in Harris County

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The first known case of a new, more contagious strain of coronavirus has been reported in Texas, in an adult male resident of Harris County who had no travel history, according to the state’s Department of Health Services and County Judge Lina Hidalgo.

The variant known as B.1.1.7 was first identified in the UK, where it spread rapidly, and cases have been found in several US states, including California and Colorado. It does not cause more serious illness and the vaccines “should be effective against it,” the health services department said, citing existing scientific evidence.

Because the man had not traveled, the strain is likely already circulating in Harris County or Texas, health and local officials said Thursday – with Hidalgo saying she didn’t want to “pretend … it’s something that we can contain “.

The male is between 30 and 40 years old and is originally from southwest Harris County. He should be isolated until he receives clearance from health officials, who trace his contacts and direct those who could be exposed to quarantine, Hidalgo said at a press conference Thursday.

The variant has the potential to “throw jet fuel into an already dangerous situation,” she said. “We’re just discovering this variant, this new strain, but what we do know is that it’s up to 70% more contagious.”

The announcement comes as the Harris County area has had to cut back on commercial capacity after having had a high number of coronavirus patients hospitalized for several days. Confirmed new infections and hospitalizations in the state are both at record levels, although the state is also testing more people. Air passengers traveling from the UK to the US must now test negative for the virus before leaving.

The case is under investigation by Harris County Public Health and the State Department of Health Services, whose officials have said the strain is responsible for a small portion of coronavirus infections current in the state and country.

“Genetic variations are the norm among viruses, and it’s no surprise that they’ve gotten here given how quickly they spread,” said Dr John Hellerstedt, commissioner of the Department of Health Services of the state. prevention practices that we know work: masking whenever you’re with people you don’t live with, social distancing and personal and environmental hygiene. “