The first known case of the omicron variant of the coronavirus has been identified in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Wednesday.
The variant was confirmed by the California and San Francisco departments of public health in an individual who returned to the U.S. from South Africa on Nov. 22, according to a CDC press release.
The World Health Organization classified omicron as a new variant of concern on Nov. 26, and the United States followed up with the same classifications on Nov. 30.
The new strain of the virus was identified in a person in California.
The Associated Press reported, “Dr. Anthony Fauci told reporters the person was a traveler who returned from South Africa on Nov. 22 and tested positive on Nov. 29. Fauci said the person was vaccinated but had not received a booster shot and was experiencing ‘mild symptoms.’”
Fauci, who is the chief medical advisor to the president, said scientists will be able to address questions about omicron in two to four weeks as they test lab samples of the variant. Currently, it is not clear if omicron is more contagious or if it causes more serious illnesses than other variants of COVID-19.
Here’s an interactive map from CNBC that shows where the variant has been reported.
“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 and boosters are recommended for everyone 18 years and older,” the CDC release states.
The Christian County Health Department administers the Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines. Children ages 5 to 11 can get the vaccine on Wednesdays. Everyone age 12 and older may get the vaccine on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Appointments are not required.
More information about the omicron variant is available from the CDC.
Jennifer P. Brown is co-founder, publisher and editor of Hoptown Chronicle. You can reach her at editor@hoptownchronicle.org. Brown was a reporter and editor at the Kentucky New Era, where she worked for 30 years. She is a co-chair of the national advisory board to the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues, governing board past president for the Kentucky Historical Society, and co-founder of the Kentucky Open Government Coalition. She serves on the Hopkinsville History Foundation's board.
