The Delaware Division of Public Health confirmed the first four cases of the Omicron variant among Delaware residents.
The variant was detected Friday through routine sequencing of test specimens by the Delaware Public Health Laboratory.
The four cases involve two adults in their 30s, a teenager and a child under the age of 10, all residents of New Castle County. Two individuals were fully vaccinated, and two were unvaccinated.
None of the individuals had a known history of travel. Case investigation and contact tracing to identify, inform and monitor anyone in close contact are ongoing.
The Omicron variant was first reported in South Africa and has been detected in more than 70 countries and at least 35 states. Virus mutations are common. Preliminary data suggests that the Omicron variant may spread more easily and quickly than previous ones.
The Delaware Public Health Laboratory and other laboratories regularly monitor for the presence of variants, including Omicron, through routine genomic sequencing of test specimens. Genome sequencing is a public health surveillance tool used to monitor the prevalence of Covid-19 variants. It is not used to diagnose individuals with a specific strain of Covid-19, as treatment recommendations do not differ based on variant strains.
“With cases of the Omicron variant detected in our surrounding states, it was only a matter of time until we detected this variant in Delaware,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “We are closely watching the science around this new variant. While it is encouraging that most individuals infected with this strain have reported minor symptoms, we still have a lot more to learn about Omicron. Therefore, we need to do what we know works to combat all strains of Covid-19: get vaccinated, get tested when appropriate, wear a mask in indoor public settings, socially distance from others, and wash your hands regularly.”
Rattay said boosters might play a significant role in fighting the variant. Early results from both Pfizer and Moderna are pointing to booster doses being much more effective against the Omicron variant than having two doses alone. However, Pfizer is showing up to 70% effectiveness against serious illness leading to hospitalization after just two doses of the vaccine.
DPH has had a sharp increase in new positive cases over the past month. Delta remains the dominant strain circulating in Delaware and the United States.
“While rising cases are a significant cause for concern, the public should understand that we have the public health tools in our toolbox to continue to fight this virus,” said Rattay. “Our data continue to show that new positive cases and hospitalizations are predominantly occurring among those who are unvaccinated. Vaccines remain the most critical tool to protect us against severe disease.”
Delawareans who are fully vaccinated have significant protection from Covid-19 infection, severe illness, and death.
DPH also encourages those who have been vaccinated with at least one dose to complete the entire vaccination series, and everyone 16 and older should receive a booster dose when eligible. Boosters increase the strength of your antibody response.
The latest information on Covid-19 is de.gov/coronavirus.
