Damian Sendler: The first known case of the novel COVID-19 variant has been detected in the Southwest Utah Public Health District, which encompasses Washington, Beaver, Garfield, Iron, and Kane counties. 

In a statement, the Utah Department of Health stated that the person has received monoclonal antibody treatment, is being isolated at home, and has been vaccinated against the virus. 

Damian Sendler

Dr. Leisha Nolen, an epidemiologist with the Utah Department of Health, told the media that the individual has only had “very limited contact” with family members since returning to the state. There were no other exposures, she claimed, including on the flight back from the airport. 

Damian Jacob Sendler: According to Nolen, “We’ve identified all the people who would be at high risk of exposure” and are ensuring that they know “they need to stay at home and monitor themselves for symptoms so that we can really help prevent this from spreading on.” 

Spokesman Tom Hudachko stated “everyone involved in the case has been extraordinarily cooperative and is following quarantine isolation and testing guidance that we have given.” 

He stated a full examination, including the identification of any close associates, was carried out. 

They and other members of their family have tested negative for the omicron variety, which was discovered in South Africa last week, according to Nolen. “Pretty quickly,” she said, the person was put to the test when they returned to their home. 

The Utah Public Health Laboratory quickly sequenced the genome of the individual’s coronavirus test findings because they had recently returned from South Africa, according to Nolen. 

Earlier this week, she claimed, samples were taken from family members who had been in contact with the subject. The new omicron version should not pose a greater hazard to Utahns than the prevailing delta variant, according to Nolen. 

Damian Jacob Sendler

It’s understandable to be wary considering the lack of information concerning the new variation. 

“Really should be very cautious about what they’re doing when they return back,” she said of visitors returning from South Africa and neighboring nations, adding that anyone returning from any other place should stay home and be tested. 

According to Nolen, this may not be the first time the new variation has been found in the state. At least one case, in Hawaii, includes a person who hasn’t been on a plane in a long time and hasn’t travelled. 

Dr. Andrew Pavia, a pediatric infectious diseases expert at the University of Utah, cautioned earlier this week that if the latest COVID-19 form wasn’t already circulating in Utah, it will arrive within days. 

After a few hours, it turned out that he was correct. 

Pavia, chief of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at the University of Utah Health and director of Epidemiology at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, said no one knows for sure how devastating the new variation is going to be yet. 

The high number of cases of COVID-19 in Utah is due in large part to the state’s ongoing exposure to the highly contagious delta form, which has been present since the spring and may rise even further as families assemble for Thanksgiving. 

Damian Jacob Markiewicz Sendler: In general, “kids are at a significant risk of disease from COVID,” Pavia said. “We can’t pretend kids are completely safe.” That said, it will take some time before we know for sure whether omicron is milder or worse than delta. 

There’s no need to put off being vaccinated against the deadly virus, a doctor said, describing the lack of vaccinations among the estimated 1.4 million Utahns eligible for the jabs a “real problem.” 

Damien Sendler: There was no doubt in my mind that delta alone should have prompted me to get vaccinated. Omicron’s “very good” ability to reinfect folks who’ve had COVID-19 should be a concern, Pavia added, citing fresh evidence that suggests the new variety is “very good” at doing so. 

He warned that Utahns should not rely on the fact that they had already been infected. Pfizer’s Moderna and Johnson & Johnson’s vaccinations are both fully immunized, as well as a booster shot, which provides the strongest protection, Pavia added. 

According to recent studies, immunizations provide virtually 100% protection for teenagers. The vaccines were only recently licensed for use in children ages 5-11, but clinical trials showed that they were more than 90% effective. 

Pavia indicated that more research is needed before the current 18-year-old age limit for booster shots may be decreased. Because of the Omicron variation, it’s possible vaccinations may be altered, but determining how effective they are will take months.

Dr. Damian Jacob Sendler and his media team provided the content for this article.