Omicron variant detected in Pueblo wastewater

PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Omicron variant of COVID-19 has been detected in wastewater in the city of Pueblo, providing an early warning that someone in the city is carrying the new strain of the coronavirus.

According to the Pueblo Department of Public Health & Environment, the omicron variant was just detected during a weekly test for the week of Dec. 20.

The graph below shows how levels of COVID-19 RNA in wastewater track with increases and decreases in case numbers in Pueblo. This is largely why health officials are concerned about the coming months.

“Detection of omicron variant in Pueblo’s wastewater confirms the variant is in Pueblo and it is expected we will see the cases quickly increase,” said Pueblo Public Health Director Randy Evetts.

Pueblo Health Chief Medical Officer Chris Urbina stated in a health meeting Wednesday, that studies show the Omicron variant could be widely prevalent no matter vaccination status.

"You look at the data in the United States, Israel and South Africa, omicron is present in unvaccinated, in previously infected as well as previously vaccinated with two doses so it is going to be a big challenge for us going forward," Urbina said.

“Evidence has shown omicron will spread faster and cause higher levels of reinfection and vaccine-breakthrough in comparison to the delta variant. In the coming weeks we should know more the severity of illness compared to the delta variant," Katie Davis, Pueblo Health Deputy Director, said.

Health officials are warning the public that absences in the workplace or schools could be on the horizon.

"Employers and schools should expect rapid spread of the virus and the subsequent high levels of absenteeism due to illness among staff and students or employees in the first quarter of 2022," Davis said. "Employers schools and individuals are encouraged to take action to reduce the impact and spread of the virus."

A news release from the Department of Public Health says that vaccination is the best method "to reduce risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death" from the coronavirus. Reports show the greatest protection with a third mRNA vaccine dose from either Moderna or Pfizer.

You can find more information about COVID-19 in Colorado, including where to get a test or a vaccine near you, by clicking this link.