COVID-19 Cases Surge in Texas Due to New Variant
Texas is experiencing a significant rise in COVID-19 cases as a new variant makes its way across the United States. Known as XFG or Stratus, this variant is responsible for about 75% of the COVID cases nationwide, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This highly transmissible strain is a variant of Omicron, first identified in January.
The impact on Texas is particularly severe, with nearly 18% of COVID tests reported to the CDC from Texas and nearby states coming back positive. That’s compared to a national positivity rate of only 11.2%. It’s worth noting that the real number of cases could be much higher since many individuals are testing at home and not reporting their results.
Dr. Philip Huang, the Director of Dallas County Health and Human Services, mentioned this week that all five wastewater monitoring sites in Dallas County indicate a rise in COVID levels. With case reporting no longer a requirement, much of the tracking now relies on these wastewater tests along with lab reports from hospitals.
While the current rate of COVID is nowhere near the crisis levels seen earlier in the pandemic, Dr. Huang advises residents to take precautions. “We’re definitely concerned, especially for those who are more vulnerable, like the elderly and those with pre-existing health issues,” he stated in an interview.
Symptoms associated with Stratus are like those of earlier variants, including congestion, cough, fever, and fatigue. A report from the World Health Organization mentions that while they are monitoring this variant, it doesn’t appear to be a new public health threat compared to others.
Confusion Over Vaccine Eligibility
As cases spike, confusion grows regarding eligibility for fall vaccinations. Back in May, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. declared that COVID vaccines are now deemed unnecessary for healthy children and pregnant women—a stance challenged by some public health experts.
The Food and Drug Administration has issued new guidelines stating that vaccines will be primarily available for those aged 65 and older as well as younger individuals with health risks. Recent approvals from U.S. regulators for updated vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax are set for all seniors, but younger adults and children now need to meet certain health criteria to receive them.
Interestingly, the American Academy of Pediatrics continues to advocate for COVID vaccines for healthy children starting from six months old. Previously, annual COVID vaccinations were recommended for everyone six months and older, following advice from independent experts who consult the CDC.
However, Kennedy has replaced members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, and new recommendations have yet to be issued from the appointees. According to the World Health Organization, existing vaccines are expected to still work against the Stratus and Nimbus variants.
Dallas County has already ordered updated vaccines and is just waiting for delivery from the state. They have also set up Community Vaccine Clinics to administer COVID, flu, and RSV vaccines to residents.
