Eight new cases were discovered at Houston Methodist Hospital.
The new information from the Houston Methodist comes just two days after Harris County confirmed the first case of the omicron variant spreading in our area.
READ MORE: Woman tests positive for omicron variant in NW Harris County, judge says
Houston Methodist identified these eight cases through comprehensive genome sequencing. This is the first time since earlier this year that their scientists have detected a non-delta variant.
The hospital did not say where the patient came from, what condition he was in, or whether he was hospitalized.
Scientists around the globe are rushing to gather more information about the new variant.
Early data suggest that the omicron is less severe than the delta variant, but much more contagious.
SEE MORE: 8 out of 39 Houston wastewater plants detect COVID omicron variant
ABC’s chief medical correspondent Dr Jen Ashton spoke with CDC Director Rochelle Walensky about the new variant and what doctors are hoping to discover.
“We are monitoring and interested in increasing transmission. We see that coming from data from other countries. We are interested in the severity of the disease,” Walensky said. “Will this variant avoid our vaccines and treatments?”
If you need a vaccine or booster, you can go to Klein United Methodist Church on Spring Thursdays. They will start giving the Pfizer vaccine from 9am to 5pm
Go Harris County Public Health Website to check out all the different sites that offer the photos.
According to Charly Edsitty on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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https://abc13.com/omicron-variant-in-houston-methodist-hospital-covid-genome-sequencing/11315590/ Omicron Houston: Houston Methodist Hospital confirms 8 cases of COVID variant
