Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

New omicron variant detected in Montana

The novel coronavirus.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

A contagious omicron variant that’s led to rising COVID-19 case numbers in parts of Europe has been found in Montana.

Twenty-one cases of the BA.2 strain of the virus have been reported in Montana since the end of January. According to the state health department's weekly snapshot of COVID activity, BA.2 cases have made up about 2% of cases found in the state since it was first detected.

Montana health department spokesperson Jon Ebelt says the agency is closely monitoring the situation and encourages all eligible Montanas to get the COVID-19 vaccine and get boosted.

Corin Cates-Carney is the Flathead Valley reporter for MTPR.