According to officials, a new variant case of COVID-19 has been reported in Nueces County

CHRISTI CORPUS, Texas – The new variant COVID-19, B.1.1.7, which originated in the UK, has been identified in Nueces County, according to Dr Srikanth Ramachandruni, a local health official.

According to a report by The Caller-Times, a 60- to 70-year-old Corpus Christi man recently visited the UK due to a family emergency. Once he returned home, the man was diagnosed with the new variant COVID-19, Ramachandruni said.

“The man, who returned from the trip in late December, is isolated and will remain in quarantine until authorized 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.

According to the Caller-Times, the strain had been found in eight states and 33 countries. The man’s diagnosis marks the second case of the variant that has been detected in Texas.

Just before the New Year, San Antonio subway health officials announced that investigators were trying to determine if 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 transmissible; however, Dr. Ramachandruni said it is no longer lethal.

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

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

Since then, the state has allocated 4,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine to the Nueces County area, according to officials.

Related: Texas sees first case of new variant amid more shots