COVID-19 cases surge across North Texas this summer. What we know about the new variants

This summer has not only brought heat, but also a new wave of COVID-19 infections across Tarrant County.

Dr. Razak Badamoshi, chief quality officer for the JPS Health Network, said an increase in COVID-19 cases was expected in Tarrant County over the summer, and did occur.

As of July 13, only 2.69% of recorded emergency department visits in Tarrant County were related to COVID-19. But that rate is more than double what it was in early June, when COVID-19 made up 1.03% of emergency department visits, according to Tarrant County Public Health.

“We’ve actually seen an increase in cases this summer, but thankfully most cases have been mild and most are being treated on an outpatient basis,” he said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates COVID-19 cases are increasing or expected to increase in 42 states, decreasing or expected to decrease in 0 states, and stable or uncertain in 6 states. Some states have not reported cases. The latest data shows Texas’ current status as “increasing.”

Badamosi said despite the rise in cases across Tarrant County, the virus is not as pronounced as it was in previous summers. Tarrant County saw a COVID-19 surge in mid-August 2023, reporting 1,152 new cases in one month.

What you need to know about the new variant

Like many other viruses, coronaviruses are evolving and forming new mutations, and experts have linked recent COVID-19 cases to FLiRT, the most prominent variant in the state.

FLiRT variants are subvariants of Omicron and accounted for the majority of COVID-19 cases in the United States in early July. According to the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, FLiRT consists of KP.2, JN.1.7, and other variant families beginning with KP or JN.

Health experts aren’t sure where the variant originated, but the Yale University School of Medicine said the CDC first detected it in wastewater.

As with other COVID variants, the symptoms of FLiRT are the same: changes in taste or smell, nasal congestion, dry cough, diarrhea, fatigue, fever, runny nose and sore throat.

What you can do to stay healthy

Health experts are urging residents to practice good hygiene habits to keep themselves and others healthy as the summer continues, and Badamosi recommended that children aged six months and older be up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations.

People with weakened immune systems are advised to receive a booster vaccination.

There is currently no vaccine that targets FLiRT, but an updated COVID-19 vaccine that will be available in fall 2023 will still offer protection against new variants. The updated vaccine is expected to be available in the fall, Badamosi said.

Badamosi urged residents to cover their mouths when sneezing or coughing, avoid close contact with people who are sick, avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth, and get plenty of rest.

As schools reopen next month, it’s important that any children with COVID-19 symptoms stay home. If you’re unsure if your child has signs of COVID-19 or any other illness, we recommend consulting your child’s pediatrician.

Badamosi said he understands some people are “frustrated” hearing about COVID-19, but urges people to stay up to date on the latest information about the virus.

“Many people have the luxury of being weary of (COVID-19), but there are others in society who are not so fortunate,” he said. “Some are immunocompromised. Some are undergoing chemotherapy or have chronic health conditions. For them, this is still life-threatening. It’s still really important for us to follow local health guidelines.”

David Moreno is a health reporter for the Fort Worth Report. He can be reached at david.moreno@fortworthreport.org or twitter.

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