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Madera County joins a group of other Central Valley counties that have officially detected known cases of the Omicron Covid-19 variant. 

The Madera County Department of Public Health announced on Tuesday its first known case of Omicron, which was found in a Madera County resident. The individual, who is unvaccinated, tested positive on Dec. 20. They are out of isolation and did not need to be hospitalized. 

Kings County also confirmed its first Omicron case as of Dec. 28 through whole genome sequencing, a lab method that helps determine the strain of a positive Covid-19 case. According to Kings County’s Covid-19 dashboard, Hanford makes up 40% of the county’s cases. Those ages 18-49 represent 55% of positive cases in the county.

“We want to stress the importance of protecting yourselves, your loved ones, and your community during these times,” said Heather Silva, assistant director of the Kings County Department of Public Health. “The best tools against Covid-19 are vaccination, masking and isolating at home when you’re sick.” 

Counties in the Central Valley are expecting to see a surge in case counts as the new variant is known to spread more easily than others. Madera County’s case rate is reflective of a case surge – cases are 2.86 times higher than on Dec. 20, according to the department of public health. 

Fresno County has confirmed 20 known cases, and cases are growing in Tulare County. Just before the new year, Tulare County announced three confirmed cases of the new variant. 

“Vaccinations, including boosters, are still our best tool for limiting the spread of COVID. Those who are unvaccinated continue to have the highest risk of severe illness and hospitalization. Reinfection is possible even after having a COVID-19 infection, as seen in this case. For those who are vaccinated, the benefit of full vaccination begins to diminish after 6 months making booster doses essential for restoring immunity. It’s important for all Madera County residents to get vaccinated and receive a booster if eligible,” says Dr. Simon Paul, Madera County Public Health Officer.