January 1, Breaking: Fauci Announces First Omicron Variant Case in the U.S. [Video]

The U.S. confirmed its first case of the omicron coronavirus variant on Wednesday.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said the case was in California. The individual traveled from South Africa on November 22 and tested positive on November 29.

“We knew it was just a matter of time before the first case of omicron would be detected in the United States,” he said.

The individual is self-quarantining, and their close contacts have tested negative so far, Fauci said. He added that the person was fully vaccinated and is experiencing “mild symptoms, which are improving at this point.”

According to California officials, the person received two doses of the Moderna shot but wasn’t yet eligible for a booster. The patient was only identified as a person between the ages of 18 and 49.

Source:

US reports 1st case of omicron variant in returning traveler