First Texas case of more contagious coronavirus variant in Harris County

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The first known case of a new and 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 state health agency and district judge Lina Hidalgo.

The variant known as B.1.1.7 was first identified in the United Kingdom where it spread rapidly, and cases have been found in several US states, including California and Colorado. It will not cause more serious disease, and vaccines “are expected to be effective against it,” the health authority said, citing existing scientific evidence.

Because the man hadn’t traveled, the species is likely already circulating in Harris County of Texas, health and local officials said Thursday – with Hidalgo saying she didn’t want to “pretend … this is something we can control.”

The male is between the ages of 30 and 40 and is from southwest Harris County. He is expected to be isolated until he gets permission from health officials, who trace his contacts and lead those who may have been quarantined, Hidalgo said at a news conference on Thursday.

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

The announcement comes because the Harris County region had to roll back its business capacity after a large number of hospital patients with coronavirus for several days. Newly confirmed infections and hospitalizations in the state are both at record highs, although the state is testing more people as well. Airline passengers traveling from the UK to the US must now test negative for the virus before taking off.

The case is being investigated by Harris County Public Health and the state health service, whose officials said the tribe would be responsible for a small fraction of current coronavirus infections in the state and the country.

“Genetic variations are the norm among viruses, and it’s not surprising that it got here given the speed at which it spreads,” said Dr. John Hellerstedt, commissioner of the state health service. “This should make all of us double our commitment to the infection. Prevention practices we know work: masks when you are around people you don’t live with, social distance, and personal and environmental hygiene.”