First U.S. Case Of Omicron COVID-19 Strain Found In California

The omicron COVID-19 variant has found its way to California. 

On Wednesday, Dr. Anthony Fauci confirmed that a traveler who recently flew to South Africa had tested positive for the new strain. The person returned to California on November 22nd and tested positive on November 29th. They have received their COVID-19 vaccine but not the booster shot and are said to be experiencing “mild symptoms,” though their condition is improving while they self-quarantine. Health officials have spoken with everyone who had close contact with the infected person. Thankfully, they all tested negative. 

“We knew that it was just a matter of time before the first case of omicron would be detected in the United States,” Fauci said.

Through genome sequencing performed at the University of California at San Francisco, California and San Francisco, public health agencies determined that the omicron variation caused the case. The sequence was then confirmed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

.@CAPublicHealth, @SF_DPH & @UCSF have detected a case of the Omicron variant.

As we continue to learn more about Omicron, there is no reason to panic but we should remain vigilant.

We know how to protect ourselves from COVID – get vaccinated, get your booster & wear a mask.

— California Governor (@CAgovernor) December 1, 2021

This first case of the strain comes as the United States is banning people traveling from South Africa, where the variant was initially identified, though little is known about it.

Scientists are still scrambling to learn about omicron, including whether or not it is more contagious than other COVID-19 strains. The biggest concern is determining how effective the current vaccines are against omicron. Fauci expects more to be revealed about the strain within the next two to four weeks as scientists conduct testing.