First omicron COVID cases reported in SC; officials urge vaccines
The omicron variant of COVID-19, first found in South Africa in late November, has made its way to the Palmetto State, Medical University of South Carolina officials announced Wednesday.
The first three confirmed cases of the variant were found this week by scientists in MUSC’s molecular pathology lab, according to university officials.
The cases were all found in Charleston County, according to MUSC’s Julie Hirschhorn.
Department of Health and Environmental Control Director of Public Health Dr. Brannon Traxler said all three patients were adults with mild COVID-19 symptoms. All three were fully vaccinated but had not yet received the COVID-19 booster shot. She added that some of the patients had recently traveled, which could have been how they contracted the omicron variant.
“We know this variant is all over the country and the world, so we really all need to take the same precautions,” Traxler told reporters Wednesday afternoon. “We need to be getting vaccinated, and when we’re in public places, wearing our mask and social distance.”
The variant cases were found during MUSC’s routine testing for coronavirus mutations.
DHEC and MUSC officials urged South Carolinians to practice caution and take steps to avoid contracting COVID-19.
“Please, if you are not already fully vaccinated and you are over 5 years and older, please get fully vaccinated,” Traxler said, adding that eligible South Carolinians should also get a booster shot.
Traxler also warned that early evidence shows that natural immunity in people who have already recovered from COVID-19 does not adequately protect from the omicron variant.
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While scientists are still studying the effects of the omicron variant, they believe that most vaccines are not fully effective against it. However, those who have received the booster shot are likely better protected, health officials, including President Joe Biden’s top COVID-19 adviser, Dr. Anthony Faucci, have said.
Scientists believe the vaccine is still able to prevent severe illness caused by the omicron variant.
The omicron variant has been classified as a variant of concern. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the variant likely spreads more easily than the original strain of COVID-19. Health officials are unsure, though, if it will spread as fast as the delta variant, which remains the most prevalent strain of the coronavirus in the United States.
Traxler said South Carolina may see an increase in COVID-19 cases because of the variant. State health officials were already preparing for a surge following the Thanksgiving and winter holidays.
It’s unclear if sickness caused by the omicron variant is more severe than other COVID-19 strains.
After the omicron variant was identified in South Africa, scientists in several other countries — including the Netherlands, Denmark, Canada and Australia — reported finding their own cases. Despite restricting travel in hopes of slowing the spread, the virus variant was first found in the United States on Dec. 1 in California.
This story was originally published December 15, 2021 at 10:57 AM.
