Duration of Infectious Virus Shedding by SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant–Infected Vaccinees

Abstract

To determine virus shedding duration, we examined clinical samples collected from the upper respiratory tracts of persons infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 Omicron variant in Japan during November 29–December 18, 2021. Vaccinees with mild or asymptomatic infection shed infectious virus 6–9 days after onset or diagnosis, even after symptom resolution.

Keywords

• COVID-19
• 2019 novel coronavirus disease
• coronavirus disease
• severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
• SARS-CoV-2
• viruses