According to US health experts, the first case of the omicron COVID-19 variant has been discovered in California.

The leading infectious disease specialist Anthony Fauci said that the person has been fully vaccinated and is only suffering minor symptoms. The individual arrived in the United States from South Africa last week and is currently quarantined. At a press conference, Fauci noted that all of the individual’s close contacts have tested negative thus far.

In response to the discovery, Fauci recommended Americans get vaccinated against COVID-19 and obtain a booster dose.

Read more: ‘No need to panic’ over Omicron variant: Africa CDC

The development was expected, as Fauci earlier stated that the variant’s arrival in the United States was “inevitable.” So far, the variant has been identified in more than 20 nations, and that number is expected to rise.

Still, the news is concerning to experts as the World Health Organization has classified omicron as a “variant of concern,” indicating that it poses a very high global risk.

Much about the variant is unknown, including whether it causes more severe disease or reduces vaccination efficiency, but doctors anticipate learning more about it in the coming weeks.

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