What we know about U.S. omicron cases
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Newark Liberty International Airport, Newark, New Jersey has an advertisement for a COVID-19-testing facility. It will be open November 30, 2021.
Spencer Platt | Getty Images
In 11 U.S. States, more than 20 patients have tested positive to the Omicron virus which causes Covid-19. While the patient’s age, vaccine status, and travel history vary among them, no one has been affected by severe illness.
Some patients were recently in South Africa when the variant was discovered, but others did not have a travel history. This indicates that the U.S. is experiencing community transmission.
Dr. Anthony Fauci said on Friday that there is “absolutely community spread” in the country. Although we don’t have a precise number, there are many that exist.
Public health officers and scientists are continuing to collect data about whether or not omicron is more transmittable, better evades immunity from vaccines, and/or causes severer disease than other variants.
All those tested positive for the disease in the U.S. had mild-to-moderate symptoms, and no one has been admitted so far according to most recent state health department information. But, Covid symptoms can become more severe over time.
Many people tested positive in the U.S. for the virus were completely vaccinated. Two of the immunized patients had never received booster shots, while another had. In at least one instance, an individual who was previously vaccinated against Covid had a positive test for omicron.
The few confirmed cases of omicron in the U.S. are not enough to give any clear answers. However, the World Health Organization stated Friday that preliminary data indicates the virus is more infectious. South African scientists also published a study which, although not peer-reviewed, found that the risk of reinfecting those who had previously contracted Covid is higher than with previous variants.
U.S. Health officials confirmed that some individuals who were tested for omicron had been fully vaccinated. However, mild symptoms suggest that shots may still be protecting against serious complications. Fauci claimed Friday that booster shots have been shown to increase immunity against several variants in laboratory tests.
Fauci stated, “Every reason exists to believe that, if you are vaccinated, and then boosted, you will have at least some level of cross protection,” Fauci added, “very likely against serious disease, even the omicron-type.”
California
California has confirmed Wednesday’s first U.S. case for omicron in an individual who just returned from South Africa. The person was from the San Francisco Bay area. According to Gov. Gavin Newsom. Newsom reported Wednesday that the victim showed only mild symptoms. He is likely to fully recover.
California’s Health and Human Services Secretary, Dr. Mark Ghaly said, “The evidence that an individual suffering from omicron sequencing actually has mild symptoms is encouraging, which I believe is testimony to the value of vaccinations.”
California reported a second case on Thursday of an omicron infection in Los Angeles. According to city health officials, the adult had been fully vaccinated. He or she was returning from South Africa via London. According to officials, the person is showing improvement without any medical treatment.
This infection “is most likely to be travel-related.” Los Angeles County public health department said. CNBC asked Friday’s question about privacy and the department refused to disclose the person’s age or booster status.
Minnesota
On Thursday, Minnesota public health officials confirmed that an adult man with omicron was infected. He had just returned from the Javits Center anime convention in New York City. The symptoms were not severe and are now under control. according to the state health department.
Doug Schultz, a Minnesota health spokesperson said that the booster shot was given to the Minnesotan before the resident went to New York.
Colorado
Colorado on Thursday confirmed that a woman had contracted omicron from a completely vaccinated female who hadn’t received a booster. Similar to the Californian case above, this woman was a frequent traveler from California who had recently traveled to Southern Africa where she contracted the virus. Minor symptoms are currently being treated at home. according to Colorado’s health department.
Gov. Jared Polis informed residents Thursday at a press conference that Colorado health officials think community spread is very low. Omicron has not been detected by wastewater analysis and no second case via genetic sequencing.
“So if it was prevalent, we would know — it doesn’t mean it’s nonexistent,” Polis said.
Hawaii
Hawaii confirmed that a patient in Oahu was infected by Covid on Thursday. This person was never immunized and has no travel history. according to the state health department.It said that the person was showing mild symptoms.
The department stated in a press release that “This case is of community spreading.”
Nebraska
Nebraska has confirmed six cases of omicron Friday. The transmission was likely to have begun with someone who traveled recently to Nigeria. According to the state department of health, five others were probably exposed to the individual who was infected by the virus through contact from their household. One of six individuals was not vaccinated. However, none required hospitalization.
Maryland
Three people in Maryland were confirmed positive for the omicron on Friday. The people who tested positive for omicron are two from the same house: a person with a current vaccination who has recently been to South Africa, and close friends of the person without a vaccine. According to state officials, the third was a case in which the vaccinated individual had not traveled recently.
Governor Hogan stated that none of the individuals were hospitalized. Larry Hogan spoke in a release.
Pennsylvania
According to city officials, a male in his 30s who lives in the northwest Philadelphia area has been confirmed positive for omicron. Philadelphia’s health officials said they are working hard to find out more about this case.
Missouri
The Missouri state health division announced Friday that a St. Louis resident suspected of having omicron is positive. The commercial lab sequenced the sample and has yet to confirm it with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Missouri’s health department has not provided information regarding the patient’s current age, vaccine history, or other symptoms. CNBC reached out the Missouri state health department for additional information.
New Jersey
New Jersey Department of Health confirmed that a Georgian traveler who had been in South Africa recently contracted omicron. State health officials say the woman is recovering now that she has been fully vaccinated.
New York
New York has identified five cases Thursday night of the Omicron variant, though the details are not clear.
According to Gov. Kathy Hochul. While the patient has a history of vaccinations, it isn’t clear whether she was completely immunized or if she received boosters. A headache and a cough were the symptoms that this woman experienced.
A further two people were also positive in Queens and Brooklyn. Their vaccination history was not known as of Thursday night. The governor has not provided any further information, however another traveler was reported to be positive.
CNBC reached out to New York City’s Health Department for more information about the symptoms and vaccination status of those who were positive for the omicron.
New York City’s Health Commissioner Dave Chokshi stated to the public on Thursday that these cases suggest there is community spreading in the state.
Chokshi stated that this isn’t just about people traveling to south Africa, or other places where the omicron was already identified.
Utah
Utah officials have confirmed Friday that it has the first confirmed case of the omicron variant.
Officials confirmed that the person who was positive for HIV/AIDS was an older adult returning home from South Africa.
This person was fully vaccinated, and only minor symptoms were observed. The patient received monoclonal antibodies treatment.
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