Case of COVID Delta variant confirmed in Kerrville

Peterson Health has confirmed that a patient tested positive July 2nd for the COVID Delta variant, which is the first known case in Kerr County. The first case of the Delta variant detected in the United States was in March 2021.

According to the CDC, there are four (4) notable variants in the United States: Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta. These variants seem to spread more easily and quickly than COVID-19 and the symptoms tend to be more severe.

The Delta variant, which was first identified in India, now accounts for 25 percent of new COVID-19 cases in the U.S. and is on track to become the dominant version of the virus circulating in the country, according to the CDC. Research suggests that Delta, officially known as B.1.617.2 is the most contagious of all the known variants to date, including the highly transmissible alpha variant that was first identified in Britain.

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness and include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, sore throat, nausea or vomiting and new loss of taste or smell. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.

Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness. Anyone experiencing symptoms can get tested for the virus by calling Peterson Urgent Care at (830) 258-7669.

Peterson Health encourages people who have not yet received a COVID-19 vaccine to get vaccinated as studies have shown that the current COVID-19 vaccines work on the circulating variants. Vaccines are available at local pharmacies in Kerr County.

As of Friday, 47.1% of the total population was fully vaccinated and 54.7% had received at least one shot, according to federal data.

According to Infection Prevention RN for Peterson Health Pam Burton, “We have made such headway in reducing the number of positive COVID cases. Now is not the time to let our guards down.” Burton also recommends that the community continue to follow CDC guidelines, especially during the 4th of July holiday weekend and throughout the busy summer months, even if you have received a COVID vaccine.

For additional information on COVID-19 and the identified variants, visit www.cdc.gov. For further updates and more information about Peterson Health visit www.petersonhealth.com.