More contagious variant of COVID-19 has been found to be widespread in Houston’s wastewater, city health officials say

HOUSTON – The Houston Department of Health announced on Monday that the UK variant (B.1.1.7) of the virus responsible for COVID-19 has been found in most of the city’s sewage treatment plants.

Wastewater samples collected on February 22 detected the UK variant in 31 of the city’s 39 wastewater treatment plants. This is an increase from February 8 when it was detected in 21 of the processing plants.

“The prevalence of the British variant in our wastewater shows that it is actively spreading in our city,” said Dr David Persse, Chief Medical Officer for the City of Houston. “This is another clear indication that we need to continue to mask ourselves, practice social distancing, wash our hands, get tested and get vaccinated when possible.

Of the sewage samples collected on February 22, around 19% detected the UK variant.

“I am concerned about these new data on the British strain of the virus in Houston, especially as the state of Texas relaxes mandates on measures proven to reduce transmission and ultimately save lives,” the mayor said. Sylvester Turner. “Despite the mixed messages, this is a clear indication that it is too early to stop demanding masks in public places. I urge all Houstonians to continue to mask themselves to protect their families and their communities. “

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The Houston Department of Health and Houston Water began testing the city’s wastewater for the original strain of the virus in May 2020 to more quickly identify emerging outbreaks and identify precise locations for interventions. aimed at breaking the chains of transmission.

People who have COVID-19 pass the virus in their stool regardless of the symptoms, the health ministry said.

Wastewater sample results for other highly transmissible variants, including variants from South Africa, Brazil and California, are pending.

Nine cases of the British variant, one case of the South African variant, two cases of the Brazilian variant and 11 cases of the California variant are currently confirmed in Houston, according to the department’s press release on Monday.