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WASHINGTON (AP) – An individual vaccinated in opposition to COVID-19 in California grew to become the primary in america to have an recognized case of the Omicron variant, the White Home mentioned on Wednesday, as scientists proceed to analyze the dangers of the brand new virus pressure.
Dr. Anthony Fauci informed reporters the individual was a traveler who returned from South Africa on November 22nd and examined constructive on November 29th. Fauci mentioned the individual was vaccinated however not given a booster and had “gentle signs”.
The Biden authorities determined late final month to limit journey from southern Africa, the place the variant was first recognized and broadly used. Case clusters have additionally been recognized in round two dozen different nations.
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“We knew it was solely a matter of time earlier than the primary case of Omicron was found within the US,” mentioned Fauci.
Officers mentioned they contacted everybody who was in shut contact with the individual they usually all examined detrimental.
Genome sequencing was carried out on the College of California, San Francisco, and the sequence was confirmed by the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention.
The Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention is taking steps to tighten US testing guidelines for abroad vacationers, together with requiring all vacationers to have a check inside sooner or later of boarding a flight to the US, no matter vaccination standing. It additionally thought of ordering assessments upon arrival.
Officers mentioned these measures would solely “purchase the nation time” to be taught extra concerning the new variant and take applicable precautions, however given its portability, its arrival within the US is inevitable.
A lot remains to be unknown concerning the new variant, together with whether or not it’s extra contagious than earlier strains, whether or not it makes individuals extra ailing and whether or not it may thwart the vaccine. Fauci, the main U.S. infectious illness professional, mentioned extra could be recognized concerning the Omicron pressure in two to 4 weeks when scientists develop and check laboratory samples of the virus.
The announcement of the primary US case comes earlier than President Joe Biden plans to stipulate his technique to struggle the virus over the winter on Thursday. Biden has tried to suppress the alarm concerning the Omicron variant, saying it was trigger for concern however “not a trigger to panic”.
Biden and public well being officers have develop into extra pressing of their requests to vaccinate extra Individuals – and for a booster vaccination for many who have been vaccinated to maximise their safety from the virus.
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