First 12 cases of omicron COVID-19 variant confirmed in El Paso

The first confirmed cases of the COVID-19 omicron variant have been found in El Paso, public health officials said Monday night.

The 12 cases of omicron were detected in test samples collected on Dec. 21 and 22, the El Paso Department of Public Health reported.

Omicron is more contagious than the original COVID-19 virus and it is likely that vaccinated people with breakthrough infections and people without symptoms can spread the variant, health authorities said.

The omicron variant was confirmed in six males and six females ranging in age from their 20s to 70s, according to city public health information. Seven were fully vaccinated and none required hospitalization.

Seven have recovered and three still had active cases. Three reported traveling outside of El Paso, officials said.

Authorities added that two of the people found with omicron did not respond to outreach efforts by city contract tracers.

More: El Paso County records 55 COVID-19 deaths, 2,955 new infections last week

Omicron makes people sick faster than earlier variants, according to a study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last week.

Most cases of omicron appear to be mild but people generally get symptoms three days after being exposed to the virus, rather than about four days with the delta variant and five days or longer with the original virus, USA Today reported.

Many COVID-19 symptoms resemble those of the flu, cold and allergies. People with those symptoms are encouraged to get tested as a precaution.

More: Fact check: Omicron coronavirus variant is not the common cold

Nation: Native American tribes have made progress against COVID-19. Omicron has them 'back in crisis mode'

Omicron is fueling a surge of COVID-19 across the globe.

The El Paso public health department urged residents to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus by getting vaccinated and a booster shot, wearing face masks indoors and at large outdoor events and getting tested when feeling ill or if they have been exposed to the virus.

El Paso has had increasing numbers of COVID-19 infections since November. Health officials feared that seasonal gatherings could cause a surge of the virus following the holidays.

As of Monday, there were 7,262 known active cases of COVID-19 in El Paso County along with 347 patients hospitalized, according to city public health data.

Chihuahua governor tests positive

In another regional development, Chihuahua Gov. Maru Campos announced on Monday night that she has tested positive for COVID-19.

Campos said in a statement that she decided to get tested after experiencing a sore throat. She will go into a period of isolation and treatment but will remain in communication with her cabinet.

Chihuahua health authorities on Monday increased capacity restrictions at bars and restaurants in Juárez, Chihuahua City and Delicias due to rising cases.

Daniel Borunda may be reached at 915-546-6102; dborunda@elpasotimes.com; @BorundaDaniel on Twitter.

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