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

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

Wastewater samples collected on Feb. 22, discovered the British variant at 31 of the city’s 39 wastewater treatment plants. That is an increase from February 8 when it was detected at 21 of the treatment plants.

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

Of the wastewater samples collected on February 22, about 19% discovered the UK variant.

“I am concerned about this new data on the British strain of the virus in Houston, especially at a time when the state of Texas is relaxing its mandates for measures proven to reduce transmission and ultimately save lives,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. . Despite the mixed coverage, this is a clear indication that it is too early to stop using masks in public places. I urge all Houstonians to continue to mask themselves to protect their families and community. “

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The Houston Health Department 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 pinpoint precise locations for interventions to break chains of transmission.

People who have COVID-19 shed the virus in their stools regardless of symptoms, the health department said.

Wastewater sample results for other highly transferable variants including South Africa, Brazil and California variants 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 being confirmed in Houston, according to the department’s press release Monday.