KENT COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The first COVID-19 Omicron variant has been detected in Kent County.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Kent County Health Department announced on Thursday, December 9, that a case of the variant had been detected in a Kent County resident.
Health officials say that MDHHS is coordinating with the Kent County Health Department on investigation of the case to ensure public health follow-up which includes an assessment of the potential for out of state exposure, compliance with isolation guidance along with outreach to close contacts. Vaccine records indicated that the Kent County adult was fully vaccinated but had not received a booster dose.
“We are concerned, although not surprised, about the discovery of the Omicron variant in Michigan,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “We continue to urge Michiganders ages 5 and up to get vaccinated and continue participating in measures we know slow the spread of the virus by wearing well-fitting masks properly, socially distancing, avoiding crowds, washing their hands often and testing for COVID-19. Vaccines are our best defense against the virus and how we can manage the spread of COVID-19.”
The initial detection of the COVID-19 case was reported to the Michigan Disease Surveillance System on Friday, December 3. MDHHS was notified by CDC that it was the Omicron variant on Thursday, December 9 following genetic sequencing conducted and reported by a commercial laboratory as part of the CDC surveillance program.
“The identification of the Omicron variant is not unexpected,” says Dr. Adam London, Kent County Health Department Director. “We are fortunate that we have effective, safe and available vaccines that can protect us from this illness. We continue to urge people to get their vaccine and to get their boosters as soon as they are eligible.”
The Omicron variant was first detected on Nov. 11 in South Africa and the first case was confirmed in the United States on Wednesday, December 1. Michigan joins the list of more than 20 other states with confirmed Omicron detections.
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