New “Stealth Omicron” Detected In Washington

SEATTLE, Wash. — Scientists have detected the first two cases of a new type of COVID-19 in Washington State.   It’s a closely related, sub-variant of Omicron, called BA.2.  Scientists have nicknamed it “Stealth Omicron,” because it appears to be able to go undetected in some PCR tests.

The Washington State Department of Health already confirmed two cases of the new sub variant.

U.W. Virology’s Dr. Pavitra Roychoudhury says it’s already showing that just like Omicron, BA.2 spreads fast and easily.

“It’s taking over Omicron in many places,” Dr. Ali Mokdad tells KOMO.  “We need to know how much it’s spreading.”

Scientists have only found about 100 cases in our country.  But Denmark offers a cautionary tale; stealth Omicron makes up half the cases.