First case of Omicron variant confirmed in Vermont

Vermont’s first case of Omicron variant of Covid-19 was confirmed on Saturday, the state Department of Health said.

The sample was collected on Dec. 8 from a patient in his thirties in Lamoille County, according to a press release from the Department of Health. This individual was fully vaccinated and had mild symptoms, the statement said.

The results were not unexpected and “we will see more cases identified in the coming days,” Health Commissioner Mark Levine said in the statement.

Global research indicates that the Omicron variant spreads faster and more efficiently than Delta, the current dominant strain, the Department of Health said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expects that anyone who contracts Omicron can pass the virus on to others, even if they are vaccinated or have no symptoms. Scientists continue to research the severity of the disease linked to Omicron and the effectiveness of vaccines against it.

The health department has urged Vermonters to get vaccinated and receive their booster shots, citing the likelihood that Omicron would become the dominant strain in the coming months.

“As the effectiveness of the initial vaccines begins to wane, boosters provide the protection you need against poor outcomes, including serious illness, hospitalizations, and death, especially for people of age or age. health issues make them vulnerable, ”Levine said.

The announcement comes a day after Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger announced Friday that the city had detected “very limited” mutation signatures associated with Omicron in its wastewater, signaling that it was likely present there. Following the announcement, Levine said the first Omicron case could be confirmed “within days.”

“I can’t stress this enough: everyone in Vermont needs to be as protected as possible, as soon as possible. So get yourself vaccinated, get kids 5 and over, and if you need to get your booster, do it as soon as you can, ”Levine said.