First US Omicron Variant Case Detected In California, CDC Says
By Ashley Palya
Al Jazeera
US reports first confirmed case of Omicron variant
The first U.S. case of the Omicron coronavirus variant has been confirmed in California, according to health officials.
“The California and San Francisco departments of public health and the CDC have confirmed that a recent case of COVID-19 among an individual in California was caused by Omicron variant,” Dr. Anthony Fauci said Wednesday at a White House press briefing.
The infected person had recently returned from South Africa on Nov. 22., according to the statement. The Omicron variant was first discovered in South Africa around Nov. 18. It has also been confirmed in some European countries.
The CDC said that the infected person’s symptoms are improving and that they are currently in self-quarantine. They were fully vaccinated and are only experiencing mild symptoms.
The case was confirmed by the California and San Francisco Departments of Public Health through a genomic sequencing that showed the virus dectected was consistent with the Omicron variant.
“The recent emergence of the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) further emphasizes the importance of vaccination, boosters, and general prevention strategies needed to protect against COVID-19. Everyone 5 and older should get vaccinated boosters are recommended for everyone 18 years and older,” the statement said.
The Omicron variant was classified as a new variant on Nov. 26.
