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

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

According to a report by The Caller-Times, a Corpus Christi man, aged 60 to 70, recently visited the UK because of a family emergency. As soon as 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 released by the health authority,” said the Caller-Times report.

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

The Caller-Times said the strain has so far been found in eight states and 33 countries. The man’s diagnosis marks the second occurrence of the variant to be detected 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 it to the Bexar County area. So far, the strain has not been detected.

The variant can 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 an increase in deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,” said Ramachandruni.

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

The state has already allocated 4,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to the Nueces County area, according to authorities.

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