Coronavirus Variant Identified Near Houston

The first known case of the coronavirus B.1.1.7 variant in the state of Texas has been identified in a resident of Harris County, which has an estimated population of 4,746,000. The adult male resident, who has no history of travel, was recently diagnosed with COVID-19. 

“The fact that this person had no travel history suggests this variant is already circulating in Texas,” stated Dr. John Hellerstedt, DSHS commissioner, in a press release issued on January 7, 2021. "Genetic variations are the norm among viruses, and it’s not surprising that it showed up here given how rapidly it spreads."

"This should make us all redouble our commitment to the infection prevention practices that we know work: masks any time you’re around people you don’t live with, social distancing, and personal and environmental hygiene," concluded Dr. Hellerstedt.

This virus variant appeared to spread much more easily from person to person than most coronavirus strains. The current scientific evidence is that the variant does not cause more severe disease and that vaccines are expected to be effective against it. It is thought to be responsible for only a small proportion of the current COVID-19 cases in Texas and the USA, stated DSHS.

The B.1.1.7 variant of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus was previously identified in the United Kingdom. The U.S. CDC reported a total of 52 cases on January 7, 2021.