Dallas (WBAP/KLIF) – The first known Texas case of the COVID-19 B.1.1.7 variant has been identified in a resident of Harris County. The man, who has no history of travel, was recently diagnosed with COVID-19.The case is being investigated by Harris County Public Health and the Texas Department of State Health Services.
“The fact that this person had no travel history suggests this variant is already circulating in Texas,” said Dr. John Hellerstedt, DSHS commissioner. “Genetic variations are the norm among viruses, and it’s not surprising that it arrived 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.”
The B.1.1.7 variant was first identified in the United Kingdom in the fall and appears to spread much more easily from person to person than most strains of the coronavirus. The current scientific evidence is that the variant does not cause more severe disease and that vaccines are expected to be effective against it.
Information provided by Department of State Health Services
