DES MOINES – The first case of the COVID-19 variant, Omicron, was identified in an Iowa resident, the The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the State Hygienic Lab reported on Thursday.

The case involves an unvaccinated individual under the age of 18 who resides in Black Hawk County, according to IDPH.

The individual remains asymptomatic, however because of travel exposure; the family sought testing based on public health guidance.

“There is emerging evidence that a booster dose of vaccine offers protection against Omicron, which is great news,” said IDPH interim Director Kelly Garcia. “Vaccinated Iowans who have not yet received a booster should do so as soon as possible.

Garcia added, “I want to emphasize how grateful I am to Iowans who have chosen to get vaccinated, thank you. To those who haven’t been vaccinated for COVID-19 yet, I urge you to speak with your health care provider about the vaccine’s benefits for you and those around you”.