Omicron variant can cause infection in those who've recovered from prior COVID-19 infection
A report released June 15, 2022 by the state Department of Health reported reinfection rates since September 1, 2021 in Washington state. According to the report: The Omicron variant spreads more easily than the original virus that causes COVID-19 and the Delta variant. Early research also shows that Omicron can cause infection in those who have already recovered from a prior COVID-19 infection. The current COVID-19 vaccines protect against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths due to infection with the Omicron variant. However, breakthrough infections in people who are vaccinated are likely to occur.
The definition for a person with a COVID-19 reinfection is an individual with two positive COVID-19 test results (molecular or antigen) reported to DOH, where the tests were performed at least 90 days apart. In addition, if genetic sequencing of respiratory samples from a patient’s initial infection and most recent infection identifies different variants, they are considered a confirmed reinfection regardless of time between positive tests.
Key Findings:
• A total of 51,640 people had a reported reinfection.
• Of those with reported reinfection, 1,249 (2.4%) people were hospitalized.
• Of those with reported reinfection, 131 (0.3%) people died.
Reinfections and associated hospitalizations and deaths
Total people with a reinfection: 51,640*
Number of hospitalizations in people with a reinfection: 1,249*
Percent reinfected who were hospitalized: 2.4%
Number of deaths in people with a reinfection: 131**
Percent reinfected who died: 0.3%****
*During September 1, 2021 - June 5, 2022
**During September 1, 2021 - May 17, 2022
****Percent of 48,413 reinfections from September 1, 2021 - May 17, 2022
• If a person is reinfected with the virus, a prior infection does not provide complete protection against hospitalization or death.
The number of people with a COVID-19 reinfection rapidly increased starting in mid- December 2021, with a decrease in cases starting in mid-January 2022. The increase was likely due to:
– An increase in the number of people who experienced a primary infection and could now be reinfected.
– The rise and spread of the Omicron variant. The Omicron variant spreads more easily than the original virus that causes COVID-19 and the Delta variant. Early research also shows that Omicron can cause infection in those who have already recovered from a prior COVID-19 infection. The current COVID-19 vaccines protect against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths due to infection with the Omicron variant. However, breakthrough infections in people who are vaccinated are likely to occur.
– Waning immunity over time.
The complete report can be viewed online. It includes reinfections by age and describes the limitations of the data.