LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — A new subvariant of the omicron variant of COVID-19 has been detected in Southern Nevada, health officials reported Friday.
BA.2 is a subvariant of the omicron variant, health officials said. It is new and emerging, but right now there is no evidence to suggest it causes more severe disease than the omicron variant, according to the Southern Nevada Health District.
COVID TRACKER: Nevada's test positivity is at 34.2%
The woman who tested positive is fully vaccinated and in her 40s, health officials said. They noted she recently traveled outside the U.S.
#COVID19 update: the @SNHDinfo has confirmed the first reported case of COVID in #ClarkCounty caused by the BA.2 sub-variant of the Omicron variant. The #SNHD says there is no evidence it causes more severe disease than Omicron variant. It is expected new variants will occur. pic.twitter.com/a1FkTYIjNZ
— Clark County Nevada (@ClarkCountyNV) January 28, 2022
Health officials reminded Nevadans that one of the best ways to slow down the emergence of new variants is to reduce transmission of the virus by getting vaccinated.
In light of the new subvariant's discovery in Southern Nevada, SNHD issued some familiar reminders: get fully vaccinated and boosted when eligible, wear a well-fitting mask when in public, indoor spaces, and stay home and get tested for COVID-19 if you are sick.
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