First Cases of Omicron Variant Detected in Bexar County

December 14, 2021 - San Antonio

By Jade Esteban Estrada, Staff Writer | San Antonio Sentinel

The first two cases of the Covid-19 Omicron variant have been detected in Bexar County through genome testing conducted by UT Health San Antonio. 

Metro Health Director Claude A. Jacob, who has been monitoring the global spread of the Omicron variant over the past few weeks, expected to eventually see cases of the new strain in Bexar County.

“Vaccination continues to be the best defense and protection against Covid-19,” Jacob said in a Monday press release. “We recommend that individuals who are not vaccinated do so as soon as possible to help protect themselves from the Omicron variant.”

Dr. Marjorie David, director of the Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, known as UT Health San Antonio, reported that a group of top labs (The UT Health San Antonio Molecular Diagnostic Lab, Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute (GCCRI) Genome Sequencing Facility, and the GCCRI Bioinformatics Team) identified two SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants in the local area.

“The samples were collected from patients on Nov. 27 and Dec. 7, 2021,” David said.

Samples are sequenced from the UT Health San Antonio Molecular Diagnostic clinical laboratory, as well as University Health and Community Labs. These sequencing efforts are funded by the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District and the Texas Department of State Health Services.  

“University Health continues to care for patients who are ill with Covid-19, including those admitted to the hospital for serious disease,” said Dr. Bryan Alsip, executive vice president and chief medical officer for University Health. “As we continue to learn more from the rapidly evolving situation around the Omicron variant, it is important to remember that vaccination and practices that limit potential exposure are still the best way for people to protect themselves and others from any Covid-19 variant.” 

A quick review of what we know: Omicron is the most recent variant of Covid-19. Early reports still indicate that the Omicron variant causes milder symptoms, and that vaccination provides extra protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Health authorities recommend full vaccination and a booster for everyone who is eligible, especially before holiday gatherings. 

According to Metro Health, roughly one in three local residents are not fully vaccinated. Those seeking to be vaccinated or are in need of a booster dose may visit the Alamodome drive-thru clinic from noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Friday or a Metro Health vaccine pop-up clinic. A list of the current pop-up clinics can be found here or by calling 311, selecting option 8. 

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University Health conveniently offers free Moderna and Pfizer Covid-19 vaccinations at their Covid-19 Vaccination Center located at Wonderland of the Americas and at several pharmacy locations throughout the city. For more information about University Health’s vaccine page, visit their website.

As New Year’s Eve approaches, Metro Health continues to recommend that all individuals wear a mask when indoors with many people outside of their household regardless of vaccination status. Persons not feeling well and showing symptoms should stay home and seek a Covid-19 test.

Additionally, Metro Health strongly encourages residents who are 16 or 17 years old to get a Pfizer vaccine booster shot at least six months after completing their first two Covid-19 doses following the Dec. 9 recommendation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“We know that Covid-19 vaccines are safe and effective, so we encourage older teenagers, ages 16 an 17, to get their booster ahead of the holidays and to be protected from serious illness or hospitalization,” Jacob said.

Individuals can receive a Pfizer vaccine booster at the Alamodome drive-thru clinic, University Health’s Wonderland Mall clinic, or a Metro Health vaccine pop-up clinic. 

Jade Esteban Estrada is a staff writer for the San Antonio Sentinel, where he covers public health and other citywide issues. jade@sasentinel.com | Twitter: @satx_writer