Alabama has confirmed its first case of the omicron variant of the coronavirus, a development that was expected as the latest mutation spreads in the United States.
According to the Alabama Dept. of Public Health, "The variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus known as Omicron has been found in a specimen from an Alabama resident."
The Associated Press reports that Alabama State Health Officer Scott Harris said officials had presumed the variant was already in Alabama since it had been confirmed in neighboring states. Harris said reports that omicron causes less severe illness are encouraging but cautioned that scientists are still learning about the new variant. Alabama in recent days has seen a slight uptick in cases and hospitalizations. Harris urged people to get vaccinated and to get a booster if they are eligible.
The omicron variant has been found in at least 36 states as on Dec. 16, 2021.
From the Alabama Dept. of Public Health:
The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) announced that a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) contract lab has found the variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus known as Omicron in a specimen from an Alabama resident.
The person with the Omicron variant is a resident of the West Central Public Health District. The individual developed mild symptoms in early December, sought COVID-19 testing, and is not hospitalized. No travel history was reported outside of Alabama.
State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris said, “We know that this virus is highly infectious and moves quickly throughout the world. Alabamians know what to do to keep each other safe now — get the vaccine, get tested, wear a mask indoors, and get a booster. Together, we can fight this virus and help keep our residents safe.”
While Omicron is classified by the CDC as a Variant of Concern, scientists are still working to determine how it may compare with the predominant Delta variant in terms of transmissibility and disease severity. Scientists also are studying the degree to which existing vaccines and therapies protect against Omicron.
Dr. Harris said this new finding underscores the importance of continued efforts by all Alabamians to limit the spread of COVID-19 in any form.
“We still have more to learn about Omicron, but the most important thing we can do right now is to use the tools we have available to make it as hard as possible for this virus to spread,” he said. “In addition to vaccination and boosters, we can slow the spread of this variant and all COVID-19 variants by using the tried-and-true prevention methods of wearing masks, staying home when sick, and getting tested when appropriate.”