21 Dec

United States: Omicron Becomes Dominant Variant









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United States
Omicron Becomes Dominant Variant
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declared yesterday that cases of the Omicron variant now make up 73% of new COVID-19 infections in the United States, making it the leading variant in only three weeks since it was first identified in the U.S. on December 1. In certain parts of the country, the Omicron strain constitutes over 90% of new infections. Also yesterday, officials from the Harris County Public Health Department in Texas announced what is believed to be the first Omicron-related death in the U.S. The unvaccinated man, who had previously contracted the coronavirus, was over 50 with other underlying conditions. Health officials continue to caution that while Omicron initially appears to cause less-severe illness, its ability to evade human health defenses and high transmissibility are still reasons for concern.
 
This map depicts the relative prevalence of the omicron variant in new COVID-19 infections in the United States at the state level.. Click on the map to learn more.

Graphic Source: NBC News
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Guatemala
Violence Escalates in Villages
Grieving family members blocked a major road in Guatemala on Monday to call attention to the violence that has been occurring in the indigenous community around Chiquix. On Friday, a group or armed men ambushed a group of families from Santa Catarina Ixtahaucan heading out to gather corn, killing 13 people, including 4 children. The attackers proceeded to burn the victims in the truck they were traveling in. One police officer was killed and two others injured as the attack continued. The neighboring communities of Nahuala and Santa Catarina Ixtahaucan have fought for control of the forests and water sources in the region for more than 100 years. Guatemala’s President has pledged to increase police presence in the two towns and announced plans to build a commission to help resolve these conflicts. Indigenous communities like these in Guatemala make up more than 40% of the country’s entire population.

This map depicts the village of Chiquix where a neighboring group attacked and killed 13 people on Friday. Click on the map to learn more.

Further Reading: Frontline, Yahoo News, ABC, MSN
Graphic Source: Barrons
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England
Giant Millipede Fossil Discovered
An 8.9-foot long fossilized millipede was found by scientists in Howick Bay in Northumberland, England. The specimen is 329 million years old and the largest Arthopleura to ever be found. Scientists believe these creatures grew to be so large because of a highly nutritious diet. The new findings suggest the millipede is the largest known invertebrate animal – previously thought to be ancient sea scorpions. Discovering giant millipede fossils is rare, as their bodies tend to disintegrate quickly after death.

This map depicts the location of the ancient millipede fossil found in Howick Bay, northern England. Click on the map to learn more.

Further Reading: NPR, CBS News, The Guardian, Iowa Public Radio
Graphic Source: Daily Mail

Friday’s Answer

Q: With 2,670 islands within its borders, what U.S. state has the most islands?

A: Alaska 
The state’s extensive coastline is in part due to the thousands of islands in its waters, with many of Alaska’s islands falling on the Alaska Panhandle. Many of the islands are uninhabited or are protected wildlife preserves. The largest, Kodiak Island in the Gulf of Alaska, is about 3,588 sq mi (9,293 sq km), and is slightly larger than Cyprus. The Aleutian Islands, the chain that separates the Bering Sea from the Pacific Ocean, are known to contain over 130 active volcanoes. 

Source

Today’s Question


Q: Sugar was first used in the Polynesian Islands over 5,000 years ago. Which country today is the leading global producer of sugar, yielding about 42 million metric tons in the last year? 
 

Stay tuned for the answer to today’s question in tomorrow’s DailyGeo.

 

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