City of Corpus Christi, TX

07/23/2021 | News release | Distributed by Public on 07/23/2021 17:03

First Case of the Delta Variant of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in Nueces County Confirmed

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX - The Corpus Christi - Nueces County Public Health District reports that it has received confirmation from the Mayo Clinic Laboratories of the first case of the Delta variant of COVID-19 in Nueces County.

The patient is a female between the ages of 30 and 40 and is currently fully recovered and is back at work. The patient is a healthcare worker that was fully vaccinated when she later became ill in mid-June. She was tested and found to be a breakthrough case, and a specimen was sent off at the request of the physician for Geno-sequencing to determine if she had the delta variant. The patient quickly spread the virus to her other family members, who were not vaccinated but have all recovered from the virus. The Corpus Christi - Nueces County Public Health District is working on conducting contact tracing to limit further transmission.

According to the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), The SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant emerged in India and is currently widespread. It is classified as a 'variant of concern' because it is much more easily spread than the original virus. It causes more severe illness, which is more likely to lead to hospitalizations.

While the Delta variant is relatively new, early evidence indicates that the currently approved vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson) provide a high degree of protection against infection by the Delta variant. 'Breakthrough' infections of those vaccinated are possible, such as in this case, but symptoms have generally been milder and hospitalizations less frequent compared to those who are not vaccinated.

It typically takes two weeks after vaccination for the body to build protection (immunity) against the virus that causes COVID-19. You are not fully vaccinated until two weeks after the second dose of a two-dose vaccine or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine. Residents are highly encouraged to get fully vaccinated.

All Nueces County residents must make every effort to stop the spread of COVID-19. Here are Public Health strategies we should all be following:

  • Individuals that are not fully vaccinated should still wear a mask in public (including children)
  • Fully vaccinated individuals that are immunocompromised should wear a mask in public
  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Don't go to work sick
  • Get vaccinated as soon as eligible.

For media inquiries, contact Public Information Manager Robert Gonzales at 361-826-3233 or by email at [email protected].