Mayo Clinic infectious disease specialist discusses omicron variant of COVID-19

As Mayo Clinic COVID-19 experts learn more about the omicron variant, they are looking to answer several questions. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently classified this new COVID-19 strain as a variant of concern. The omicron variant was first reported to the WHO by South Africa in early November.  Dr. John O’Horo, a Mayo Clinic infectious diseases specialist, told KAUS News that there is still a lot to learn…

Dr. O’Horo went on to explain the reason the WHO has classified omicron as a variant of concern….

Dr. O’Horo stated that people in the U.S. should be more concerned about the delta variant and preventing the spread of COVID-19 by following the recommended prevention strategies…

The White House announced Wednesday that a person in California who had been vaccinated against COVID-19 became the first in the U.S. to have an identified case of the omicron variant as scientists continue to study the risks posed by the new virus strain.

Dr. Anthony Fauci told reporters that the person was a traveler who returned from South Africa on Nov. 22 and tested positive on Nov. 29. Fauci said the person was vaccinated but had not received a booster shot and was experiencing mild symptoms.