Omicron COVID variant was in Europe before South African scientists detected and flagged it to the world
CBSN
Dutch health authorities announced on Tuesday that they found the new omicron variant of the coronavirus in cases dating back as long as 11 days, indicating that it was already spreading in western Europe before the first cases were identified in southern Africa. The RIVM health institute said it found omicron in samples dating from November 19 and 23.
Those findings predate the positive cases found among passengers who came from South Africa last Friday and were tested at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport.
"It is not yet clear whether the people concerned [in the earlier cases] have also been to southern Africa," the RIVM said, adding that the individuals had been informed of their omicron infections and that local health services had started contact tracing.
Run 3 Space | Play Space Running Game
Traffic Jam 3D | Online Racing Game
Duck Hunt | Play Old Classic Game
In the wake of January's deadly wildfires, Los Angeles County leaders are weighing a disaster registry intended to help disabled and senior residents get connected to emergency responders to bring them to safety during disasters.
The Department of Health and Human Services has asked some laid-off staff if they could return to work temporarily, as the department grapples with a backlog of grants that has swelled to more than a billion dollars in the wake of hurdles set up by DOGE.
After years of legal battles, state attorneys general won billions of dollars in opioid settlements from drug companies accused of fueling the addiction crisis. They declared victory at press conferences, and some touted the deals during their gubernatorial campaigns.
Emergency room visits for tick bites this year are at the highest levels since 2019, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The United States has recorded 1,288 measles cases so far this year, the highest total in 33 years, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data out Wednesday.
Underwater archaeologist James Delgado reveals the stories behind history's most haunting shipwrecks
Renowned underwater archaeologist James Delgado appeared on "CBS Mornings" on Friday to discuss his new book, "The Great Museum of the Sea," and reflect on more than 50 years of searching for historic shipwrecks around the world.
Staying hydrated is crucial to feeling your best, especially as temperatures across the globe soar. Some may turn to powdered products marketed as hydration multipliers to help.
Kraft Heinz Foods Company, the parent company of Oscar Mayer, is recalling approximately 367,812 pounds of fully cooked turkey bacon due to potential listeria, a disease-causing bacteria, according to federal officials.
Women using a certain type of hormone therapy to treat menopause symptoms could be at higher risk for breast cancer, according to a new study.
A satellite program that has historically been a key source of weather forecasting data will be discontinued by July 31, as the United States enters peak hurricane season, according to the already resource-strapped National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Can what you eat affect the way you sleep or the types of dreams you have? A recent study asked just that.
Gaiser's European Style Provisions Inc. is recalling approximately 143,416 pounds of ready-to-eat bologna due to misbranding, federal health officials said Friday.