The more contagious version of COVID-19 has been shown to be widespread in Houston’s wastewater, city health officials say.

HOUSTON – The Houston Department of Health announced Monday that the UK version (B.1.1.7) of the virus that causes COVID-19 has been found in most wastewater treatment plants in the city.

Wastewater samples collected on February 22 detected the UK variant at 31 of the city’s 39 treatment plants. This is an increase since February 8, when it was detected at 21 of the treatment plants.

“The prevalence of the UK variant in our wastewater shows that it is actively spreading in our city,” said Dr. David Persse, medical director for Houston. “This is another clear indication that we must continue to hide, practice social distancing, wash our hands, be tested and vaccinated when possible.”

Of the wastewater samples collected on February 22, about 19% detected the UK variant.

“I am concerned about this new data on the British strain of the Houston virus, especially at a time when Texas is easing mandates on proven measures to reduce transmission and ultimately save lives,” he said. Mayor Sylvester Turner. “Despite the mixed messages, this is a clear indication that it is too early to no longer need masks in public places. I urge all Houstonians to continue to disguise themselves to protect their families and community. ”

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The Houston Department of Health and Houston Water began testing the city’s wastewater for the original strain of the virus in May 2020 to more quickly identify emerging outbreaks and identify precise locations for interventions to break transmission chains.

People with COVID-19 virus have eliminated the virus in their feces, regardless of symptoms, the Department of Health said.

The results of the wastewater sample for other highly transmissible variants, including variants from South Africa, Brazil and California, are pending.

Nine cases of the United Kingdom variant, one case of the South African variant, two cases of the Brazil variant and 11 cases of the California variant are currently confirmed in Houston, according to the department’s press release on Monday.