Delta Variant of COVID-19 identified in Alpena County
ALPENA, Mich. — District Health Department No. 4 said state health officials have identified an unvaccinated female with a local case of the Delta variant.
Medical Director Dr. Joshua Meyerson said, “The Delta variant is more contagious and by the time it has been identified, an infected individual(s) may have already exposed many more people.”
There are likely more unidentified cases of the Delta variant in Alpena County, according to the local health department. Only a small percentage of COVID–19 positive test samples get sent for genetic sequencing to identify variants.
Dr. Meyerson added, “Vaccination is more important than ever. The COVID–19 vaccines show effectiveness against variants and reduce the risk of serious illness that lead to hospitalization or death.”
DHD4 urges to continue protecting yourself and others:
- Getting the COVID–19 vaccine
- Wearing a mask in crowded areas, where there’s substantial to high community spread
- Physical distancing, staying six feet apart from others
- Washing hands often
- Staying home when feeling ill
