The COVID Variant Omicron Has Found It’s Way to Houston Texas

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Texas is positive that the Omicron virus is here.

News agencies throughout the nation have reported in the last several hours that the COVID variant Omicron has been found in Houston's wastewater and a Houston woman has tested positive for the virus as well.

What we know about Omicron.

The CDC first reported the latest COVID variant, Omicron in Botswana on November 11th and three days later on November 14th in South Africa. In less than a month it has made its way to Texas, reinforcing the thought that this new Omicron variant will be the next super spreader. According to the CDC, whose full report you can read here, "The Omicron variant likely will spread more easily than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus."

Harris County initially found the virus through wastewater testing.

Harris County initially reported that the Omicron variant was seen in wastewater test at 8 of the 30 plus wastewater plants. The positive test results were from samples collected on Nov. 20 through the 30th.

Apparently we shed the COVID virus through our feces and water sample collection has been a part of helping us better understand COVID and how it spreads. Click2Houston reports, "The wastewater data helps to more quickly identify emerging outbreaks and hotspots needing interventions to help stop the spread of the virus."

The first Texan to test positive has not been traveling.

The first positive test for Omicron in Texas is from a woman in her 40's who interestingly has not traveled out of state or country recently. The CDC offers that " current vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths due to infection with the Omicron variant," but they also warn that breakthrough infections of people who are fully vaccinated will likely occur as well.

Contact the Victoria Public Health Department for more information.

If you have questions about Omicron, vaccinations, or general COVID questions, please contact the Victoria Public Health Department by clicking here or by calling (361) 578-6281.

Stay safe Crossroads.