First Confirmed Case of Omicron Variant Detected in the United States

CDC-   The California and San Francisco Departments of Public Health have confirmed that a recent case of COVID-19 among an individual in California was caused by the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529). 

The individual was a traveler who returned from South Africa on November 22, 2021.

The individual, who was fully vaccinated and had mild symptoms that are improving, is self-quarantining and has been since testing positive.

All close contacts have been contacted and have tested negative.  

Genomic sequencing was conducted at the University of California, San Francisco and the sequence was confirmed at CDC as being consistent with the Omicron variant.

This will be the first confirmed case of COVID-19 caused by the Omicron variant detected in the United States.