Delta variant of COVID now accounts for most U.S. cases

The so-called ‘Delta’ variant of COVID-19 now represents more than 51% of all cases of the virus currently present in the United States, according to the Centers For Disease Control.

Delta has been predicted as the dominant coronavirus strain in the nation, although not this soon. According to the CDC, Delta accounted for just 3% of U.S. cases one month ago. The official designation of the new strand, SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant, was first detected in India in late 2020

The highest infection rate is in the Midwest region of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska – where Delta accounts for 80.7% of cases in the latest data.

The Delta variant is notably more contagious and possibly more dangerous as well – especially for people who are unvaccinated, officials say.

The most common symptoms may have changed from the most common symptoms previously associated with standard COVID-19. Infected people may mistake the symptoms for a bad cold and not realize they need to isolate. Common symptoms reported have been headaches, sore throat, a runny nose or a fever.