#16,388
When it comes to communicable disease outbreaks, one good rule of thumb is that there is probably a lot more in the community than you think. Two days ago (Dec 3rd) Denmark's Statens Serum Institut reported 18 Omicron cases, while this morning that number has jumped to 183, a ten-fold increase.
SSI calls this increase `worrying' and describes chains of infection that do not involve travelers outside the country, indicating community spread.
The full update for the SSI follows:
Status of the omikron variant (B.1.1.529) per 12/05/21
The Statens Serum Institut finds an ever-increasing number of omicron cases in Denmark. A total of 183 cases of infection with the omikron virus variant have now been found.Last edited December 5, 2021
The snapshot in Denmark is as follows:
WGS confirmed cases: 32
Variant PCR detected cases: 151
• Total cases: 183
The variant PCR test is now so secure in its detection of the omicron virus variant that a variant PCR detected case is counted as an omicron case. Therefore, the previously "suspected cases" are now listed as proven.
The prevalence of omikron is increasing. The cases found yesterday on 04.12.21 were:
WGS confirmed cases: 29
Variant PCR detected cases: 106
"We are seeing a worrying increase in the number of omicron-infected in Denmark. There are now ongoing infection chains, where the infection is seen among people who have not been traveling or have connections with travelers. We are working hard to slow down the development with a fast laboratory "detection of the virus variant, so that the Danish Agency for Patient Safety can start the detection of infection as soon as possible. The time we gain, we must use to get as many people vaccinated as possible. A high immunity gives our society more resilience if the omicron infection increases further", says Henrik Ullum, CEO of the Statens Serum Institut.
Yesterday the UK's Health Security Agency tweeted their total had risen to 160 confirmed cases.
Although Omicron probably got an early start than we first believed, it is showing a remarkable ability to spread quickly through even highly vaccinated communities.
