The Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services announced Friday the state's first case of the omicron variant. DHSS was notified by public health partners of a sample presumed positive for the omicron variant originating from a St. Louis City resident who had recent domestic travel history. The sample was originally sequenced as part of commercial laboratory surveillance and results are currently awaiting confirmation by the CDC."Although there is much we still need to learn about this new variant, we do know the best tool currently available to protect ourselves from COVID-19 is personal prevention. I urge Missourians to seek information on the Omicron variant from DHSS and trusted medical sources opposed to social media," said Donald Kauerauf, DHSS director, in a news release. "We also encourage Missourians to remain vigilant in protecting themselves and staying informed this holiday season as this new variant is investigated further."Health officials said the transmissibility and disease severity caused by omicron are still unknown. "The Delta variant is still the predominant variant present in Missouri, currently representing well over 99% of the cases. Citizens are urged to complete their vaccination series for COVID-19 and get their booster," said Kauerauf.DHSS said it will continue to work with public health partners to monitor for an increase in the omicron variant, as well as trends in other variants.