Florida’s first omicron variant confirmed in Tampa

TAMPA, Florida – The first confirmed case of the omicron variant of COVID-19 in the state of Florida has been reported to James A. Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa.

Hospital officials confirmed the diagnosis on Tuesday.

“Yes, we can confirm the detection of a case of the Omicron B.1.1.529 variant. The patient has mild symptoms and has recently returned from international travel. Our providers were able to quickly detect, test, confirm and add this data to our growing understanding of this strain, ”the VA said in a statement to ABC Action News.

Health officials said it was only a matter of time before the omicron variant was found in Florida. The variant was first detected in South Africa around November 21. Since then, it has spread rapidly in South Africa and has been found in several countries around the world and in several states there.

Researchers are still trying to determine how virulent the omicron variant is and whether it is as deadly as the delta variant. Preliminary research has shown that the variant may be more transmissible than others, but the World Health Organization has not definitely said how virulent the variant has become.

In addition, new reports from the Guardian said scientists have discovered a “stealth” version of the omicron variant. According to the Guardian, the new variant of omicron has been detected in samples from South Africa, Canada and Australia.