New U.S. cases of omicron variant found in Minnesota, Colorado, New York & California
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health confirms its first case of COVID-19 with mutations consistent with the new Omicron variant. The individual returned to Los Angeles County after travel to South Africa via London on 11/22/2021. This infection is most likely travel-related, officials said.
The individual, whose age was not revealed, is a fully vaccinated adult and a Los Angeles County resident. Their “symptoms are improving without medical care,” the helath department said.
A small number of close contacts in Los Angeles have been identified and, to date, all have tested negative and have no symptoms.
“Throughout the pandemic, we have always known there would be more mutations, resulting in the possibility of a more dangerous variant than the Delta variant,” said Dr. Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health. “While we can’t know for certain the impact of Omicron at this time, the good news is that we already know how to reduce transmission and slow spread using both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions. I encourage everyone to take the steps that we know offer protection, including getting vaccinated or boosted, tested if you feel sick or are a close contact, and wearing your mask indoors and at large mega events.”
