Omicron variant found within wastewater in Houston, Texas

Houston, Dec 8, 2008 : .

The Omicron strain of Covid-19 was found in Houstons wastewater, which is the largest city in the state of Texas.

This confirms the local spread of the strain, officials from the city said TuesdayMultiple local media outlets reported that the Omicron variant was detected in eight of the citys 39 wastewater treatment plants.According to Xinhua news agency, the Texas Department of State Health Services identified Mondays first case of Omicron Covid variant in Texas.

The Harris County area covers most of Houston.Local media reported that the woman was fully vaccinated, and she did not report any travel history.

Chicago Tribune reported Tuesday that the first Covid Omicron variant in Chicago was identified by someone who was in contact with someone who had traveled to Chicago and tested positive for Omicron in another country.Omicron was first reported in South Africa on November 24, 2014.

It has been designated a "variant concern" by the World Health Organisation.int/sks/shb #Omicron #wastewater #Houston #Texas #Chicago #Chicago #Houston #Covid #Covid-19.