LAS VEGAS (KTNV) – UNLV scientists confirm with 13 Action News that they found the COVID-19 lambda variant in the Las Vegas Valley.
Dr. Edwin Oh, an associate professor at UNLV, says the variant was discovered in wastewater.
He says this means we might see our first human infections soon. Dr. Oh adds that the Delta variant was present in all sewage systems.
Dr. Oh says a recent analysis shows that case numbers are falling in low-income neighborhoods, while case numbers are increasing in high-income neighborhoods. He suggests the discrepancy in the numbers could be due to a decrease in COVID-19 tests.
“One of the possible explanations for this scenario is that the number of test sites in low-income neighborhoods has disappeared, it has decreased. If you get tested now, you have the time and resources, ”added Dr. Oh add
Dr. Oh thinks the increase in air traffic could be a factor in the lambda variant showing up in our wastewater now.
Doctors say the best way to fight the rising numbers of the coronavirus is to get vaccinated. Dr. Oh says vaccination rates should be closer to 80 or 90 percent. The vaccination rate in southern Nevada is currently just over 50 percent.
