The Douglas County Health Department reported Tuesday that 10 cases of the omicron variant have been confirmed in Douglas County residents.The residents are between the ages of five and 56, according to the DCHD.The Douglas County Health Department also reported an additional two cases of the omicron variant on Wednesday.“We are not surprised to see omicron in Douglas County and have been planning for it,” Douglas County Health Director Dr. Lindsay Huse said. “If you haven’t gotten your vaccine or booster yet, please do so now. Also, please keep wearing a mask in public places, practice distancing as much as possible, and stay home when you are sick. Our community can slow the spread of this if we all pitch in and do our part.”On Monday, UNMC Epidemiologist Dr. James Lawler said the new COVID-19 strain, omicron, attacks healthy human cells more easily. He said it’s more transmissible than other variants.”What we’re seeing is patients who are infected with omicron are actually shedding more virus,” Lawler said.Lawler said there are now reports of patients getting sick and spreading the virus just two days after breathing in droplets, which in turn, causes faster outbreaks.”So, the combination of those two things means it’s doubling growth rate is well beyond anything we’ve seen previously,” Lawler said.Stay with KETV for more on this developing story
OMAHA, Neb. —
The Douglas County Health Department reported Tuesday that 10 cases of the omicron variant have been confirmed in Douglas County residents.
The residents are between the ages of five and 56, according to the DCHD.
The Douglas County Health Department also reported an additional two cases of the omicron variant on Wednesday.
“We are not surprised to see omicron in Douglas County and have been planning for it,” Douglas County Health Director Dr. Lindsay Huse said. “If you haven’t gotten your vaccine or booster yet, please do so now. Also, please keep wearing a mask in public places, practice distancing as much as possible, and stay home when you are sick. Our community can slow the spread of this if we all pitch in and do our part.”
On Monday, UNMC Epidemiologist Dr. James Lawler said the new COVID-19 strain, omicron, attacks healthy human cells more easily. He said it’s more transmissible than other variants.
“What we’re seeing is patients who are infected with omicron are actually shedding more virus,” Lawler said.
Lawler said there are now reports of patients getting sick and spreading the virus just two days after breathing in droplets, which in turn, causes faster outbreaks.
“So, the combination of those two things means it’s doubling growth rate is well beyond anything we’ve seen previously,” Lawler said.
Stay with KETV for more on this developing story