The coronavirus’ omicron variant was detected for the first time in Illinois in a Chicago resident, The Chicago Tribune reported.
The identification took place almost two weeks after discovery of the new variant first reported by South African scientists created new hurdles for public health officials in the ongoing battle against the pandemic.
The case was identified in a Chicagoan who made contact with someone who had traveled to the city and tested positive for omicron in another state, according to a joint statement from the Illinois and Chicago departments of public health. The person was fully vaccinated with a booster dose, the statement said, and is not hospitalized.
At least 19 other states have detected omicron cases as of Dec. 7, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.