Scientists at the Medical University of South Carolina confirm the first three cases of the SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant have been detected in the state.
News of the variant’s arrival dominated the Dec. 15 media briefing by the Department of Health and Environmental Control.
“Last night, we completed analysis on our most recent sequencing run of the viral genomes for positive patients that have been tested through the MUSC health system,” said Dr. Julie Hirschhorn, director of the MUSC molecular pathology lab. “With the completion of that run, we identified three cases of the omicron variant. That’s three cases out of 97 cases since the start of December. That’s about 3%.”
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All three cases were in Charleston County. The individuals were fully vaccinated but had not yet received their booster shots.
“We knew it was only a matter of time before we would see confirmed cases of the omicron variant here in South Carolina,” said Dr. Edward Simmer, DHEC Director. “As we get further into the winter holiday season, it is more important than ever for our unvaccinated population to begin their COVID-19 vaccination series, and for fully vaccinated individuals to get their booster shot when eligible.”
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Also on Wednesday, Dr. Anthony Fauci, President Biden’s chief medical advisor, said booster doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine are likely to provide substantial protect against the new variant. This was the first indication of how effective the vaccines will be against omicron.
Early signs are that omicron may spread more rapidly than the delta variant, but hard data is not yet available. It is still to be determined how virulent it is.
Dr. Brannon Traxler, DHEC’s Public Health Director, said those unknowns are what concern health care providers.
“Looking at several factors, like how severe of illness that causes which we know can certainly have an impact when it comes to our or hospitals and their capacities, how quickly and easily it’s spread,” said Traxler. “Then, how effective the vaccines are at preventing especially a serious illness or death and how effective treatments are like monoclonal antibodies that have been shown to be quite effective against other strains of COVID-19.”
The Georgia Department of Public Health has reported a third case of the omicron variant has been confirmed. The latest is an unvaccinated metro Atlanta resident with no recent international travel history.
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Previously, two cases of the omicron variant were confirmed in metro Atlanta residents. One of those individuals was tested in New Jersey and is recovering there.
SARS-CoV-2, B.1.1.529 was first reported to the World Health Organization on Nov. 21 in specimens collected in South Africa. By Nov. 26, WHO classified omicron as a “Variant of Concern,” as had the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Traxler said it is impossible to predict if the omicron variant can lead to a new surge of cases, particularly with schools about to let out and travel increasing for the Christmas holiday.
If you are traveling and your destination or form of transportation requires proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to boarding a plane or ship, you can make an appointment with the Augusta University Health testing site on 15th Street.
Travel Testing: Call 706-721-1852 to schedule a travel test. Or register online here.
Augusta University Health is partnering with the Georgia Department of Public Health and LTS to provide COVID-19 Testing to the CSRA Area. Drive-thru testing will be available Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Annex II, 524 15th St., Augusta, Ga. 30901
Travelers are facing an assortment of testing requirements depending on where and how they will travel and then return home.
The CDC recently updated its requirement for people traveling internationally by air prior to returning home.
All air passengers 2 years or older with a flight departing to the US from a foreign country at or after 12:01 a.m. EST on Dec. 6, 2021 are required show a negative COVID-19 viral test result taken no more than one day before travel, or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days, before they board their flight.
The health agency also updated the advisory for cruise ship passengers.
There is also a link to review travel recommendation by destination.
A separate link provided by the U.S. State Dept. has updated information for every country.
Travelers are advised to check with their airline or cruise line for any testing requirements they have instituted.
Dana Lynn McIntyre is a Staff Reporter with The Augusta Press. You can reach her at dana@theaugustapress.com
