The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) is reporting 48 additional cases of the Omicron variant of COVID-19. None of these new cases have required hospitalization.
This brings the total number of Omicron cases in our state to 93. The first confirmed Omicron case in Louisiana was identified on December 3. The following is a total breakdown of cases by region:
Region 1 (Greater New Orleans Area): 81 - 71 probable; 10 confirmed
Region 2 (Baton Rouge Area): 3 probable
Region 4 (Acadiana): 1 confirmed
Region 7 (Northwest): 6 - 2 probable; 4 confirmed
Region 9 (Northshore): 2 - 1 probable; 1 confirmed
Not all cases of Omicron can be identified, which means that there are many more cases of Omicron occurring in Louisiana than are reflected in our case counts. Within our state, Omicron outbreaks have been identified in universities, and cases have been identified in high-risk settings such as K-12 schools and nursing homes.
CDC estimates that the proportion of Omicron among circulating variants is currently 2.9% nationwide. Louisiana estimates that the proportion of Omicron among LA variants is 4.3% for the week ending December 4 (please note that these data are preliminary as more sequences for that time period will continue to be uploaded). We expect transmission of Omicron will increase.
LDH Guidance
The following prevention tools are especially important as we continue to monitor the Omicron variant in Louisiana:
Vaccines remain the best public health measure to protect people from COVID-19, slow transmission and reduce the likelihood of new variants emerging.COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations and death. Emerging data demonstrate that booster doses are particularly important for preventing infection with Omicron.
Masks offer protection against all variants.
Testing for COVID-19 prior to travel or gathering with individuals outside one's immediate household is also important for preventing transmission and protecting loved ones this holiday season.
Earlier today, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) released data that confirms that our existing vaccines work against Omicron, especially if you are boosted. Not being vaccinated leaves individuals unprotected. Unvaccinated people are 14 times more likely to die and 8 times more likely to be hospitalized due to COVID compared to a fully vaccinated person.
Everyone aged 5 and older is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in Louisiana. The FDA has only authorized the Pfizer vaccine for children ages 5 to 17. COVID-19 vaccines are widely available at more than 1,000 locations in all of Louisiana's 64 parishes, including at pharmacies, hospitals, health care clinics and doctor's offices.
For a list of locations near you, visit https://ldh.la.gov/covidvaccine [Notes:r20.rs6.net] or text your ZIP code to GETVAX (438829) in English or VACUNA (822862) in Spanish. If you have questions, would like to speak with a medical professional or need help scheduling an appointment, call 211 or Louisiana's vaccine hotline at 1-855-453-0774.
Omicron Background
On November 26, 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified a new variant, B.1.1.529, as a Variant of Concern and named it Omicron. This new variant was first reported to the WHO by government officials in South Africa. Since then, it has been detected in 57 countries and more than 35 states.
Omicron includes multiple mutations across the SARS-CoV-2 genome and is more transmissible than previous strains. More information can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/omicron-variant.html [Notes:cdc.gov]
LDH established numerous laboratories to conduct genomic sequencing on positive SARS-CoV-2 specimens in order to track circulating SARS-CoV-2 lineages, including newly emerging variants such as Omicron. Epidemiologists, laboratorians and researchers will continue to closely monitor these data to continue identifying Omicron cases in Louisiana.
LDH will continue reporting Omicron updates every Wednesday and Friday.
------------------------------------------------------------
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
To reach the newsroom or report a typo/correction, click HERE.
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Select from these options: Breaking News, Evening News Headlines, Latest COVID-19 Headlines, Morning News Headlines, Special Offers