The Omicron variant of COVID-19 now makes up about 3% of the sequenced cases in the United States, according to media reports citing data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Delta variant continues to be the dominant strain of coronavirus in the United States, maintaining a 97% stronghold while Omicron spreads its wings.

Also Read: COVID cases increase as US reaches vaccination milestone

According to the health regulatory body, the new variant represented an estimated 0.4% of all cases sequenced earlier this month. The number jumped up to 2.9% last week.

Nearly 30 states in the country have reported Omicron infections so far, after California detected the first one in the United States on December 1. However, it remains unclear how the new variant arrived in America.

The United States Centers for Disease Control said in a statement last week that only one vaccinated individual has been hospitalised after contracting Omicron, while zero deaths have been reported.

The health regulator added that common symptoms included congestion, cough, fatigue and a runny nose, according to reports from CNBC.

So far, 43 cases of the new variant of COVID have been reported in the United States. Out of these, 58% were between the ages of 18 and 39 and 79% were fully vaccinated. 

Also Read: Omicron found in nearly one-third of US states, Delta maintains dominance

According to reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 33% of the patients had a recent history of international travel, hinting that community spread may be the reason for the quick spread.

The Omicron variant appears to cause less severe disease than previous versions of the coronavirus, and the Pfizer vaccine seems to offer less defense against infection from it but still good protection from hospitalization, according to an analysis of data from South Africa, where the new variant is driving a surge in infections.