U.S. well being officers have reported the nation’s first demise attributed to the Omicron variant of the coronavirus—a person in his 50s from Texas. The man was unvaccinated however had beforehand survived a covid-19 an infection; he additionally had underlying well being situations.

Omicron has shortly circulated around the globe since scientists in South Africa have been the primary to determine it in late November. Even earlier than the Omicron variant emerged within the U.S., nevertheless, the nation had been going through a resurgence of the pandemic, following a lull for the reason that summer time. Hospitalizations and deaths have elevated and remained at stubbornly excessive ranges, with over 1,000 deaths reported every day on common this month. All of those latest hospitalizations and deaths had been attributable to the Delta variant, a minimum of up till now.

The Omicron-related demise was reported late Monday afternoon by officers from the Harris County Public Health division. The sufferer was in his 50s. Both his unvaccinated standing and present well being situations positioned him at increased danger for extreme covid-19, officers mentioned.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the patient’s family, and we extend our deepest sympathies,” mentioned Barbie Robinson, HCPH Executive Director, in a statement from the company.

Several strains of proof have suggested that Delta is extra prone to trigger extreme sickness than previous strains. Conversely, early information from South Africa and different international locations has indicated that Omicron might trigger milder sickness on common. However, many consultants warning that this information isn’t a transparent indication but that Omicron is an intrinsically milder virus than earlier than, since many individuals on the earth have some quantity of immunity, on account of previous an infection and/or vaccination.

It’s attainable that the danger of extreme sickness will stay the identical for individuals not uncovered to the coronavirus till now. And many consultants fear that as a result of Omicron is ready to unfold quickly even amongst largely vaccinated populations, its sheer transmission pace might compensate for its milder presentation and nonetheless result in surges of hospitalizations and deaths, a minimum of within the brief time period.

Cities and international locations have begun to reply to Omicron’s emergence by restituting containment measures, although to various levels. This week, the Biden administration introduced the supply of free speedy assessments to Americans—an thought they as soon as mocked—although these assessments won’t be accessible till after the vacations. In the meantime, doubtless the very best particular person step you’ll be able to take to remain protected is to get vaccinated if you happen to haven’t already, and to get a booster shot if you happen to have been vaccinated greater than six months in the past.

“This is a reminder of the severity of covid-19 and its variants. We urge all residents who qualify to get vaccinated and get their booster shot if they have not already,” Robinson mentioned.