New COVID-19 variant case reported in Nueces County, officials say

CHRISTI CORPUS, Texas – According to Dr. Srikanth Ramachandruni, a local health officer, the new COVID-19 variant B.1.1.7, originating in the United Kingdom, has been identified in Nueces County.

According to a report by The Caller-Times, a Corpus Christi man, aged between 60 and 70, recently visited the UK due to a family emergency. When he got home, the man was diagnosed with the new COVID-19 variant, Ramachandruni said.

“The man, who returned from the trip at the end of December, is in isolation and will remain in quarantine until approved by the health authority,” the Caller-Times report said.

“One of his symptoms is a severe headache and he is expected to recover,” Ramachandruni added.

The Caller-Times said the species had been found in eight states and 33 countries to date. The man’s diagnosis is the second case of the variant discovered in Texas.

Just before the New Year, San Antonio Metro Health Officials announced that researchers were trying to determine whether or not the new variant had made its way into the Bexar County area. So far the strain has not been detected.

The variant may be more transferable; Dr. However, Ramachandruni said it is no more deadly.

“Currently there is no evidence that B.1.1.7 causes more serious illness or an increase in deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,” Ramachandruni said.

Officials say they are confident they can control the spread of the new variant, as the man has been isolated since he was notified.

According to officials, the state has since assigned 4,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses to the Nueces County area.

Related: Texas Sees First Case of New Variant Amid Pressure for More Shots