**Omicron Sub-Variant BA.2.12.1 Continues to Rise in the United States**
The Omicron sub-variant BA.2.12.1 continues to rise in the United States, accounting for an increasing proportion of new COVID-19 cases. The sub-variant, which is more transmissible than the original Omicron variant, has been detected in all 50 states and is now the dominant strain in many parts of the country.
**What is BA.2.12.1?**
BA.2.12.1 is a sub-variant of the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. It was first identified in New York in April 2022 and has since spread rapidly across the United States and other parts of the world.
BA.2.12.1 is more transmissible than the original Omicron variant, but it does not appear to be more severe. Studies have shown that it is equally effective at evading immunity from previous infection or vaccination as the original Omicron variant.
**How is BA.2.12.1 impacting the United States?**
The rise of BA.2.12.1 has led to an increase in COVID-19 cases in the United States. The number of new cases per day has been rising steadily since mid-April, and the sub-variant is now the dominant strain in many parts of the country.
The increase in cases has put a strain on the healthcare system, particularly in areas with low vaccination rates. Hospitals are seeing an increase in the number of COVID-19 patients, and some are reporting that they are nearing capacity.
**What can be done to stop the spread of BA.2.12.1?**
The best way to stop the spread of BA.2.12.1 is to get vaccinated and boosted. Vaccines are highly effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19, including the Omicron variant and its sub-variants.
Other important measures to slow the spread of the virus include:
* Wearing a mask in indoor public settings
* Avoiding large gatherings
* Staying home if you are sick
* Getting tested for COVID-19 if you have symptoms
By taking these precautions, we can help to slow the spread of BA.2.12.1 and protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities from COVID-19.
**Additional Resources**
* [CDC: Omicron Variant](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/omicron-variant.html)
* [WHO: Omicron Variant](https://www.who.int/en/activities/tracking-SARS-CoV-2-variants/)
* [New York Times: Omicron Sub-Variant BA.2.12.1 Takes Hold in the United States](https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/11/us/omicron-subvariant-ba2-12-1.html).
