Omicron COVID Case San Francisco California ex-South Africa

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For Immediate Release
Wednesday, December 1, 2021

 

Contact: CDC Media Relations

(404) 639-3286

 

First confirmed case of Omicron variant detected in the United States

 

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. 

 

On November 26, 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified a new variant, B.1.1.529, as a Variant of Concern and named it Omicron and on November 30, 2021, the United States also classified it as a Variant of Concern. CDC has been actively monitoring and preparing for this variant, and we will continue to work diligently with other U.S. and global public health and industry partners to learn more. Despite the detection of Omicron, Delta remains the predominant strain in the United States.

 

The recent emergence of the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) further emphasizes the importance of vaccination, boosters, and general prevention strategies needed to protect against COVID-19. Everyone 5 and older should get vaccinated boosters are recommended for everyone 18 years and older.  

 

For more information on the Omicron variant visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/index.html.  

 

 

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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

 

CDC works 24/7 protecting America’s health, safety, and security. Whether diseases start at home or abroad, are curable or preventable, chronic or acute, or from human activity or deliberate attack, CDC responds to America’s most pressing health threats. CDC is headquartered in Atlanta and has experts located throughout the United States and the world.

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Joint Statement from the California and San Francisco Departments of Public Health on the First Confirmed Case of the Omicron Variant

 

Date: December 1, 2021
Number: NR21-341
Contact: [email protected]

 

SACRAMENTO – "As expected, and thanks to California's large-scale testing and early detection systems, the State of California and the San Francisco Department of Public Health have confirmed a case of the Omicron variant in California. Our partners at the University of California, San Francisco identified this case through their sequencing capabilities. California is continuing to monitor the variant's presence and progress through the state's robust Whole Genome Sequencing surveillance.

 

We must remain vigilant against this variant, but it is not a cause for panic. To help detect and prevent the spread of this new variant, the State of California is increasing COVID-19 testing at our airports for arrivals from countries identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We recognize that everyone is exhausted, and the news of a new variant can be overwhelming. It is important that we collectively focus on the things we know prevent the spread of COVID-19, and its variants. Individuals should (1) get vaccinated and boosted; (2) wear your mask in indoor settings; (3) get tested if you have symptoms; and (4) stay home if you are sick.

 

As we continue to learn more about the Omicron variant and how it can impact all of us, we will share that information through covid19.ca.gov and cdph.ca.gov."

https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/NR21-341.aspx

[niman]

Joint Statement from the California and San Francisco Departments of Public Health on the First Confirmed Case of the Omicron Variant

 

Date: December 1, 2021
Number: NR21-341
Contact: [email protected]

 

SACRAMENTO – "As expected, and thanks to California's large-scale testing and early detection systems, the State of California and the San Francisco Department of Public Health have confirmed a case of the Omicron variant in California. Our partners at the University of California, San Francisco identified this case through their sequencing capabilities. California is continuing to monitor the variant's presence and progress through the state's robust Whole Genome Sequencing surveillance.

 

We must remain vigilant against this variant, but it is not a cause for panic. To help detect and prevent the spread of this new variant, the State of California is increasing COVID-19 testing at our airports for arrivals from countries identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We recognize that everyone is exhausted, and the news of a new variant can be overwhelming. It is important that we collectively focus on the things we know prevent the spread of COVID-19, and its variants. Individuals should (1) get vaccinated and boosted; (2) wear your mask in indoor settings; (3) get tested if you have symptoms; and (4) stay home if you are sick.

 

As we continue to learn more about the Omicron variant and how it can impact all of us, we will share that information through covid19.ca.gov and cdph.ca.gov."

https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/NR21-341.aspx

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Deposited at GISAID

hCoV-19/USA/CA-UCSF-COLOR-SFDPH-CC001/2021