Montana confirms first cases of Covid omicron variant

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services has detected the omicron variant through testing of positive COVID-19 samples from two Montana residents in their 30s with travel history to South Africa.

The variant was confirmed Monday through genomic sequencing performed at the Montana State Public Health Laboratory and at Montana State University.

According to a press release, the individuals, who had mild symptoms that are improving, are self-isolating and have been since returning to Montana. They are residents of Gallatin County and were fully vaccinated.

“This is not a surprise as nearly every other state has reported omicron cases in recent weeks,” DPHHS Director Adam Meier said in the press release. “We continue to urge all Montanans to use all available tools to stay healthy this winter, including getting your Covid-19 vaccine and booster and taking other measures to prevent the spread of the virus."

Montana is the 46th state with a confirmed Covid-19 case caused by the Omicron variant.

The state health department continues to conduct sequencing of Covid-19 samples for variant strains. In addition to the state Public Health Laboratory, three additional partner laboratories — UM, MSU and FYR Diagnostics — in Montana are conducting sequencing testing of positive Covid-19 specimens to support surveillance efforts of Covid-19 variants.

While omicron is classified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a variant of concern, scientists are still working to determine how it may compare with the predominant delta variant in terms of transmissibility and disease severity. Scientists also are studying the degree to which existing vaccines and therapies protect against omicron. The Covid-19 vaccines used in the U.S. are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths due to infection with the Omicron variant.

“The concern right now for public health officials is that other states in the U.S. are experiencing a surge in Covid-19 cases, which are primarily the Delta variant,” said Dr. Maggie Cook-Shimanek, acting state medical officer at DPHHS. “Given this activity around the country, it’s important that we exercise caution and take proven steps to prevent disease and mitigate the spread of Covid-19 here in Montana.”