Texas: Harris County Public Health Reports 1st Confirmed Omicron-related Death

 

Harris County, Tx - Credit Wikipedia 

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With the CDC's revelation last night that Omicron has - in a matter of a few weeks - become the dominant COVID strain in the nation, the two big questions before us are 1) how many people will be infected and 2) how severe is the illness compared to Delta?

Early evidence from Europe and South Africa strongly suggests a lot of people are going to be infected in the weeks to come, based on Omicron's ability to evade prior immunity from vaccines and previous infection. 

Reporting of new cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in the United States often lags by several days - is underreported on weekends - and is further skewed by the holidays.  According to the New York Times, however, the average number of new cases over the past 7 days has risen to 146,554.

This represents more than a 50% jump since the 1st of December. What we haven't seen (yet) is a major jump in COVID deaths, although that is usually a lagging indicator. Often lagging by weeks. 

With the caveat that individual reports (such as the one that follows) tell us very little about the overall severity or course of illness with Omicron, they can still provide useful anecdotal data until something more probative comes along. 

Late yesterday Harris County, Tx public health (includes the city of Houston) reported on their 1st confirmed Omicron death, in an unvaccinated but previously infected COVID patient in his 50s, with undisclosed comorbidities. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

December 20, 2021

 Harris County Reports First COVID-19 Omicron Variant-Related Death

Unvaccinated man with underlying health conditions had tested positive for the Omicron variant Houston 

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) is reporting the first COVID-19 Omicron-variant associated death in the County.

 

The death reported this afternoon was of a man between the ages of 50-60 years old who was unvaccinated and had been infected with COVID-19 previously. The individual was at higher risk of severe complications from COVID-19 due to his unvaccinated status and had underlying health conditions.  

 

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the patient’s family, and we extend our deepest sympathies,” said Barbie Robinson, HCPH Executive Director. “This is a reminder of the severity of COVID-19 and its variants. We urge all residents who qualify to get vaccinated and get their booster shot if they have not already.” 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have reported that the Omicron variant is widespread. There is still a lot of unknown information about the Omicron variant, though this case has been confirmed through additional testing that may not reflect the total number of cases in our community. 

Variants are mutations or changes to the genes of the original virus and there are currently several notable COVID-19 variants in the U.S. The Omicron variant was first identified in South Africa in November 2021 and currently is a concern for public health. 

HCPH recommends all individuals five years and older get vaccinated as soon as possible. To be protected against all current COVID-19 variants, including Omicron, individuals must be fully vaccinated and get a booster shot when they are eligible. Being vaccinated provides the best protection from developing complications or death resulting from COVID-19. 

To find a HCPH vaccine site near you, click here. If you prefer to make an appointment, go to vacstrac.hctx.net or call 832-927-8787

One report isn't enough to prove anything conclusively about the relative severity of Omicron, but it does remind us that not everyone who gets infected will have a good outcome.   

And while good data on the ability of vaccines to protect against severe illness is still awaited, this report may help some people to pull the trigger and get vaccinated (or boosted) before they are (inevitably) exposed to Omicron.