HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A patient at Houston Methodist Hospital has been diagnosed with the Lambda variant, making it the hospital system's first reported case.
The hospital said the case was confirmed on Monday.
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According to Houston Methodist, as of Monday, July 19, there are 185 patients diagnosed with COVID-19. The hospital said the majority of them are unvaccinated.
About 85% of those patients have been diagnosed with the Delta variant, which is reportedly more contagious.
The WHO said the Lambda variant was first detected in Peru in August 2020.
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"We're seeing an alarming spike in the number of COVID-19 cases across the Houston area, with the steepest increase happening over the weekend," said Houston Methodist in a statement. "The increased hospitalizations add stress to many of our hospitals that are nearing capacity."
The hospital system is encouraging vaccinations.