The Delta variant is now the dominant strain of COVID-19 in Ohio. In May, less than 1% of lab sequenced cases were identified as the Delta variant. The most recent data from July 4-17 show that 86.4% of lab sequenced cases were the Delta variant.
For those who get infected with the Delta variant, experts say they may have a higher viral load than those who are infected with other strains. It is much more contagious than any version of COVID-19 that we have encountered and remains exceedingly dangerous to those who are not vaccinated.
Of the total hospitalizations of COVID-19 patients since January 1, 18,367 individuals were not fully vaccinated. Just 295 patients had received the vaccine. Delta variant information is available on the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) website and will be updated every Thursday.
“Delta spreads like wildfire and seeks out anyone who is unvaccinated. But there is good news as two things remain very clear: first, the vaccines are the key to containing this fire and ultimately putting it out,” said ODH Chief Medical Officer Bruce Vanderhoff, MD. “Secondly, vaccination is without any doubt your best bet, regardless of your age, for avoiding getting really sick with COVID-19 and to avoid lasting complications like Long COVID.”