For the first time, a person in South Tyrol tested positive for the "Omicron" variant of the coronavirus. It is a woman from Burgraviato who returned to South Tyrol from South Africa at the end of November. As expected, she underwent a molecular swab both before departure in Cape Town and upon arrival in Munich, both times with negative results.
Subsequently, the competent authorities informed the South Tyrolean Health Authority of a positive case for SARS-CoV-2 found on the same flight. The woman was immediately subjected to an additional PCR swab which gave a positive result, informs the Health Authority.
Last night the results of the sequencing, performed at the Company Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology,confirmed that it is the Omicron variant.
The patient is in isolation and has reported mild symptoms.
The only close contact, however asymptomatic, is in quarantine.
The PCR buffer is in progress.
The surveillance of the circulation of new variants currently requires sequencing of all positive PCR swabs of travelers returning from risk areas, as well as when there are reports with reasons of suspicion.
The Omicron variant, the Health Authority informs, showed a higher transmission speed.
In many cases, the course in patients vaccinated or cured from Covid-19 is mild.
The person concerned is vaccinated.
