ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - The St. Louis County Health Department says the Gamma variant of COVID-19 is now in the area.
The University of Missouri's surveillance of wastewater found the Gamma variant in about 3% of wastewater samples taken on July 27. The public health program began in May to track COVID-19 viral load and variants throughout state.
There have been no confirmed infections of the Gamma variant in the St. Louis area, but testing does not currently include looking for particular variants.
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Gamma was first identified in Brazil and has spread to more than 10 other countries. In places like Washington State, it has resulted in a higher percentage of hospitalizations and deaths than the other strains, according to the state epidemiologist.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says current vaccines should help protect people against the Gamma variant.
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