Two Probable Omicron COVID Denmark Cases ex-South Africa

[niman]

The cases have been demonstrated by variant PCR, which captured mutations that are characteristic of Omicron

https://sum.dk/nyheder/2021/november/to-mistaenkte-tilfaelde-af-omicron-b11529-er-paavist-i-danmark-hos-rejsende-fra-sydafrika

[niman]

Two suspected cases of Omicron (B.1.1.529) have been detected in Denmark by travelers from South Africa

27-11-2021

Press releaseCOVID-19

The Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) is a new variant of coronavirus. It was first reported in Botswana on 11 November 2021 and on 14 November in South Africa. The variant has since been observed in several European countries in travelers from the South African countries. Today it has probably been found in two people who have entered Denmark.

The cases have been demonstrated by variant PCR, which captured mutations that are characteristic of Omicron, and are thus most likely Omicron. It will only be finally confirmed when the result of whole genome sequencing is available within the next few days.

Health Minister Magnus Heunicke says:

- The authorities have a reasonable suspicion that we have the first two cases of the new variant Omicron in Denmark. The variant has been captured in the variant PCR tests that SSI does on positive samples, and therefore we have quickly captured the variant. We are one of the countries with the most comprehensive monitoring of variants, and therefore it is not surprising that we find cases in Denmark at an early stage.  

- The people who have been infected have been in South Africa and are now in isolation and the authorities are in the process of tracking down the third link - that is, close contacts and their close contacts are all encouraged to go into isolation and of course to be tested. And the authorities are working hard to get the same call out to everyone who was on the same plane that they infected.  

- It is important to say that there is still a lot we do not know about Omicron. That is why we communicate as soon as there is news.

New variant worries

The new variant, B.1.1.529, worries virologists internationally because it has many more mutations in the spike protein than usual, and there is uncertainty about the infectivity and, if possible, less sensitivity to the vaccines. Confirmed travel-related cases have been found in i.a. England and Belgium.

Travelers from South Africa

The Danish Agency for Patient Safety recommends that all entrants to Denmark or entered within the last 10 days (from 16 November) who have had residence (except transit) in South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia can be tested and goes into isolation for negative testing on day 4 and day 6. This applies regardless of vaccination status.

Isolation should be stopped at the earliest by a negative test on day 6. In cases where more than 6 days have passed since entry, only one test is recommended as soon as possible.