The first case of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 (B.1.1.529) has been confirmed in South Dakota.
The South Dakota Department of Health says the variant was identified in a male in his 20’s in Minnehaha County. The findings were verified by the Public Health Laboratory in Pierre.
State Epidemiologist Dr. Josh Clayton says while only one case of it has been confirmed at this point in time, it’s safe to assume other cases across the state may exist given the variant’s increased transmission.
Clayton says concerns about the Omicron variant include a greater rate of transmission from person to person, reduced effectiveness of existing treatments and reduced protection of the COVID-19 vaccine. However, he says, the vaccines have so far proven effective to protect people against hospitalization and death.
The DOH reminds people to take precautions to protect themselves from COVID-19, such as:
- Practicing good hygiene (handwashing, cleaning surfaces, etc.);
- Physical distancing;
- Staying home when sick;
- Wearing a mask in crowded/confined spaces (ie. Airports); and
- Choosing to get a COVID-19 vaccine / regular testing.
The Omicron variant was first detected in South Africa last month (Nov. 2021). It was first detected in the United States Dec. 1, 2021.
For the latest news and COVID-19 available resources in South Dakota, visit covid.sd.gov. For additional information on all of the COVID-19 variants, go to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
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