JACKSON, Wyo. — The most recent variant of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Wyoming, the Wyoming Department of Health announced today.

Lab sequencing confirmed the omicron variant in an Albany County adult who recently traveled domestically. Confirmation is pending for a second Albany County adult also presumed to be infected with the omicron variant. Both cases were initially identified by a University of Wyoming laboratory.

“With the quick spread of this variant across the nation, including within some of our neighbor states, we are not surprised with this result and expect there are other cases within Wyoming that haven’t yet been identified,” Dr. Alexia Harrist, state health officer and state epidemiologist with WDH, said in a press release.

Harrist said there is much still to learn about omicron and its potential impact over time, but she is concerned about how easily and quickly the variant appears to be transmitted between people.

“We continued to encourage vaccination, including recommended booster doses, as the best and most effective strategy to counter COVID-19,” Harrist said.

All COVID-19 vaccine doses, including boosters, continue to be offered at no cost.

Shannon is a Wyoming-raised writer and reporter. She just completed a master's in journalism from Boston University. Jackson shaped her into an outdoorswoman, but a love for language and the human condition compels her to write. She believes there's no story too small to tell nor adventure too small to take.