Stealth Omicron dominant COVID strain in North Dakota

(Bismarck, ND) -- The BA.2, or stealth, omicron subvariant is now the dominant strain in North Dakota.

Health officials say the subvariant is predominant in the U.S. and accounts for three-fourths of all confirmed omicron test specimens in the past two weeks in North Dakota.

Scientists say the so-called stealth omicron has gained ground is that it's about 30-percent more contagious than the original omicron. Health officials say if symptoms present themselves, they are generally mild. Vaccines are believed to be just as effective against the subvariant.