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21:28 GMT
WASHINGTON, Dec 1 (KUNA) -- The first case of COVID-19 caused by the Omicron variant was detected in the US when a traveler returned from South Africa on November 22 and was tested positive on November 29.
US top infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci said on Wednesday that all close contacts to the individual, who is self-quarantining, have been contacted and was tested negative.
Fauci added that the individual was fully vaccinated and experienced mild symptoms, which are improving at this point.
"We knew that it was just a matter of time before the first case of omicron would be detected in the United States," Fauci said.
Earlier, US President Joe Biden said, "Let me repeat what the doctors and scientists have affirmed, the best protection against Omicron is getting a booster shot". (end)
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