A more contagious variant of COVID-19 has been found to be widespread in Houston wastewater, city health officials say.

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

Wastewater samples collected on 22 February detected the UK variant at 31 of the city’s 39 wastewater treatment plants. This represents an increase from February 8 when 21 of the treatment plants were detected.

“The prevalence of the UK variant in our wastewater shows that it is actively spreading in our city,” said Dr. David Persse, chief physician in the city of Houston. “This is another clear indication that we should continue to mask ourselves, practice social distancing, wash our hands, do tests, and get vaccinated whenever possible.”

Of the wastewater samples collected on 22 February, approximately 19% detected the UK variant.

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

Announcements

The Houston Department of Health and Houston Water began testing the city’s wastewater to detect the original strain of the virus in May 2020 to more quickly identify emerging outbreaks and identify precise locations for interventions to break transmission chains. .

People who have COVID-19 throw the virus in their feces, regardless of symptoms, the Department of Health said.

Results of wastewater samples for other highly transmissible variants, including variants from South Africa, Brazil, and California, are pending.

Nine cases of the UK variant, one case of the South African variant, two cases of the Brazilian variant and 11 cases of the California variant are currently confirmed in Houston, according to the department’s statement on Monday.