The government has confirmed the first case of an omicron variant of COVID-19 in Argentina

The nation’s health ministry confirmed this last Sunday The first case of a variant of COVID-19 Ómicron in Argentina. It was discovered by a traveler from South Africa. The Health Portfolio calls for “strengthening epidemiological surveillance and prevention measures throughout the Argentine region.”

“On December 5, the first case of the Omigron variant in Argentina for a traveler from South Africa was confirmed by the National Reference Laboratory.”The national government announced a few minutes ago.

By the statement published in the led portfolio Carla Vicotti, Was described in detail as the person affected by the new variant He is 38 years old and lives in San Luis County, South Africa.

“In March 2021 the traveler presents a complete vaccination program and the history of the Covit-19. Carried out, and with a negative result ”, it noted.

The man was traveling in a taxi with the driver from the airport to his home in San Luis. “He has been isolated since he arrived,” the health ministry clarified.

After arriving in Argentina last Tuesday, on Thursday, December 2, the people he was in contact with in South Africa were diagnosed with COVID-19. Despite the absence of symptoms, he reported the situation to the local health system. In this context, he underwent a new antigen and PCR test, which was positive this time. “Provincial officials who encountered this situation reported the matter to the National Health Commission, which sent the sample for genetic sequencing to the National Reference Laboratory and studied the PCR at the San Luis State Public Health Laboratory for PCR to detect characteristic mutations. The government pointed out.

According to the report, the person in question had four close contacts who were “isolated in another home, with no symptoms and those examined by PCR have so far been negative for SARS CoV-2.” “Everyone will be re-tested at the end of the isolation,” the executive branch said in a statement issued late Sunday night.

“In view of the discovery of the first case of the Ómicron variant of SARS CoV-2 in Argentina, the Ministry of Health of the Nation is strengthening epidemiological surveillance and prevention measures throughout the territory of Argentina with the aim of informing the public. Is to increase and strengthen non-drug prevention among the population, ”the government explains.

The first case of the new variant was reported on November 11 in Botswana, and then on November 14 in South Africa, the first variant in some regions. On November 26, the World Health Organization (WHO) designated variant B.1.1.529 as a variant of anxiety and named it “Ómicron”.

This Saturday, December 4, Brazilian authorities announced a case of new variation in the state Rio Grande do Sul, That Uruguay and Argentina borders. As of December 5, 2021, cases have been reported in Africa, Asia, Oceania, 17 countries in the European Union, the United States, Canada and other countries in more than 15 states in Mexico. At the regional level, cases have been reported imported from Brazil and Chile. “Outside of South Africa, although most cases involve travelers, social exchanges are beginning to register in many countries,” the Argentine government warned.

Recommendations for the public

After confirming the first case of Omicron variant in our country, the Ministry of Health made a series of recommendations. He called for the start or end of the vaccination schedule; Wearing cinstrap on the inside and outside when you are near others who do not live together; Keep your distance; Consult with non-cooperators (community gatherings, work, school, recreation areas and all shared enclosures; frequent hand washing with soap and water; consult in advance in the presence of one or more compatible symptoms. COIVD-19; Isolation (for positive events) and isolation (COVID-19)) Strict respect for patients’ close contacts).