Omicron variant detected in Iowa youth

DES MOINES, Iowa (KGAN) — Health officials in Iowa have confirmed the state's first known vase of the omicron variant.

The infected person is under the age of 18 and lives in Black Hawk County, roughly 125 miles northeast of the state's capital city of Des Moines.

Health officials said the person is asymptomatic, and the variant was found during testing taken after their family was exposed during travel.

Black Hawk County Public Health says they acted quickly to initiate contact with the family and remain in contact to monitor the health of the individual.

The omicron variant has been identified in at least 19 states as of Thursday. Scientists are investigating the variant and its potential dangers, along with how well vaccines work against it.

“There is emerging evidence that a booster dose of vaccine offers protection against omicron, which is great news," said IDPH interim Director Kelly Garcia in a statement. “Vaccinated Iowans who have not yet received a booster should do so as soon as possible.”

All of Iowa's 99 counties are experiencing a high rate of COVID-19 transmission.