Texas man believed to be first American fatality from Omicron variant

An unvaccinated Houston man is believed to be the first recorded fatality in the United States from the Omicron variant.

According to the New York Post, the Texan was a 50 year old man who had previously survived the virus, but reportedly had underlying health conditions.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the patient’s family, and we extend our deepest sympathies. We urge all residents who qualify to get vaccinated and get their booster shot if they have not already,” Health Director Barbie Robinson said. “The individual was at a higher risk of severe complications from Covid-19 due to his unvaccinated status and underlying health conditions.”

The Omicron variant accounted for 73% of infections in the past week, according to the CDC. Britain reported its first confirmed death from the Omicron variant earlier this month. With this news comes a new light on the seriousness of the variant, resulting in an increasing push to get vaccinated (The Washington Post). 

“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 said.

As of now, 73.3% of Harris County has had at least one dose of the vaccine, according to the Texas department of State Health Services. The Omicron variant threatens to overwhelm hospitals, but could cause less severe diseases in those who are unvaccinated.