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The first case of coronavirus' omicron variant in Mecklenburg County has been reported in a UNC Charlotte student. Health officials say the individual was isolated and is now recovered.

The first case of the omicron coronavirus variant was detected in Mecklenburg County, local health officials report.

Mecklenburg County Public Health Department reported Friday that a UNC Charlotte student tested positive for the COVID strand. The case was identified through the institution’s sequencing program.

The student’s exposure was limited with one known contact; therefore, the person was isolated and has fully recovered.

“It was really only a matter of time before we saw this variant of concern in our area,” said Dr. Katie Passaretti, vice president and enterprise chief epidemiologist for Atrium Health. “Now, obviously, that has happened, it is not a cause for panic it, it's something that we are lucky that we have had some lead time to be able to prepare for, educate on, and make sure we're doing everything we can to protect the community.”

As of Dec. 10, more than 20 states have at least once of the omicron variant according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Data Tracker. As of Friday in North Carolina, there are 3,606 new COVID-19 cases reported with 1,493 people currently hospitalized. Nearly 70% of residents are fully vaccinated against coronavirus with 73% who have received at least their first dose.

Mecklenburg’s first case further reemphasizes the importance of more people getting vaccinated and booster shots, especially children and young adults.

“I would just reinforce, whether your young and healthy or older and have other medical problems, vaccines continue to be very important to protect our community,” Passaretti said.

The CDC now recommends 16- and 17-year-olds receive a Pfizer booster shot six months after their second dose, following approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Data has shown that booster shots add another layer of protection by increasing a person's antibody response compared to the initial vaccine series. There is a possibility that the original dose of the vaccine will offer less protection from the Omicron variant.

In the first few omicron cases reported in the U.S., the cases were in fully vaccinated people and symptoms were mild to moderate. However, there is not sufficient data yet on the new strand regarding how fast it can spread within a community and the efficacy of vaccines on the variant. Health experts said data is expected to become available within a matter of weeks as more research is conducted.

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