Extra states are detecting the extremely contagious virus variant.

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The record of states to determine the harmful new coronavirus variant is rising.

Texas, Connecticut and Pennsylvania confirmed their first circumstances on Thursday, becoming a member of California, Colorado, Georgia, Florida and New York.

Florida has no less than 22 confirmed circumstances, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. California has reported no less than 26.

Consultants have warned that the United States is woefully ill-equipped to trace the rapidly transmissible variant. And not using a sturdy, nationwide system to determine genetic variations of the coronavirus, states are left on their very own to determine the variant.

The Texas Division of Well being and Human Providers stated an grownup male resident of Harris County, which incorporates Houston, with no historical past of journey examined optimistic for the coronavirus. Genetic sequencing this week confirmed that the an infection was brought on by the variant.

“The truth that this individual had no journey historical past suggests this variant is already circulating in Texas,” Dr. John Hellerstedt, the commissioner of state well being providers, said in a statement. “It’s not stunning that it confirmed up right here given how quickly it spreads.”

Dr. Hellerstedt urged Texans to “redouble our dedication” to social distancing and public well being measures.

In Connecticut, Gov. Ned Lamont stated two individuals between 15 and 25 years old had examined optimistic for the variant. Each had traveled exterior of the state, he stated, one to Eire and the opposite to New York. Genetic sequencing confirmed the circumstances are unrelated.

Pennsylvania additionally reported that its case was due to international exposure.

Final month, Britain grew to become the primary nation to determine the brand new variant, which is now surging there and burdening its hospitals with new circumstances. Now, the variant has been recognized in no less than 33 nations, together with Britain. Dr. Hans Kluge, the World Well being Group’s regional director for Europe, referred to as the unfold of the variant throughout the continent “an alarming scenario.”

“With out elevated management to gradual its unfold, there shall be an elevated affect on already burdened and pressurized well being services,” Dr. Kluge said at a briefing on Thursday, warning that the variant could, over time, “exchange different circulating lineages” because it has in Britain.

Dr. Kluge urged nations to proceed to research transmission, enhance genetic sequencing and to share knowledge.