For the Tomahawk Leader
WISCONSIN – The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) on Wednesday, June 16 released new information about the newest COVID-19 “variant of concern,” variant B.1.617.2, also known as the Delta variant.
“This strain was previously classified as a variant of interest, but has since been raised to a variant of concern,” DHS stated. “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has established criteria (www.bit.ly/2TCSWik) for identifying variants that may be more worrisome than others. Variants are most commonly raised to variants of concern if they show evidence of being more contagious, causing more severe illness, or are more difficult to treat using known therapies.”
DHS, using CDC’s criteria, publicly reports on variants of concern (www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/variants.htm).
26 cases of the Delta variant had been identified in Wisconsin between April 2021 and Wednesday, June 16, according to DHS. DHS this week began reporting current case counts that will be updated weekly.
Variants are identified through a process called whole genome sequencing (www.bit.ly/3gEgfS9).
“Whole genome sequencing takes a sample of the virus from a positive SARS-CoV-2 test specimen and reads its genetic code,” DHS said. “DHS, the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, and other laboratory partners regularly perform whole genome sequencing on a portion of positive tests.”
DHS said the Delta variant was first discovered to be circulating in India in samples from Oct. 2020, and has continued to spread to other parts of the world. It is attributed as the cause of a recent rise in cases in the United Kingdom.
“According to recent data, researchers believe the Delta variant spreads more rapidly and easily than the original strain of SARS-CoV-2,” DHS stated. “It is not yet known if this variant has any impact on disease severity. There is some evidence to suggest that therapeutics, such as monoclonal antibody treatments, may be less effective against this variant because of its unique mutations. Some laboratory studies have suggested that antibodies produced by the body in response to natural infection or a COVID-19 vaccine may be less effective at defending against the Delta variant virus than the original strain. Fortunately, the COVID-19 vaccines available in the U.S. have shown they provide some protection against the Delta variant.”
DHS said “It is essential to get vaccinated and continue public health practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19” as new variants emerge.
“Further mutations of the virus can be prevented as more people get vaccinated,” DHS stated. “By getting vaccinated, you stop the spread.”
“Wisconsin continues to report an increasing proportion of COVID-19 cases across the state that are variants of concern,” said DHS Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake. “We urge Wisconsinites to protect themselves, their families, and their communities by getting vaccinated. The sooner people get vaccinated against COVID-19, the less opportunity for the virus to keep mutating.”
To find a vaccine location, visit www.Vaccines.gov or call 211 or 877-947-2211.
For up-to-date information about Wisconsin’s COVID-19 response, visit the DHS COVID-19 webpage at www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/index.htm.