18 MaineHealth patients tested positive for the delta variant

PORTLAND, Maine (WMTW) – Data recently released by MaineHealth shows an increase in cases of the more contagious delta variant of COVID-19.

According to Dr Dora Anne Mills, responsible for improving the health of the healthcare system, as of July 1, 18 of 49 patients sampled have tested positive for the delta variant in MaineHealth’s NorDx lab.

“Delta’s appearance is highly anticipated,” Mills said in a Facebook post on Sunday.

Mills noted that the results are preliminary and awaiting validation by genetic sequencing from the Maine CDC.

“As the delta variant spreads around the world as an invasive plant, suffocating other variants and finding the unvaccinated as fertile ground, we in Maine and New England are fortunate enough to live in it. one of the safest places on the planet, ”Mills added.

Last month, the agency said it found four cases of the variant in Maine.

Robert Long, spokesperson for the Maine CDC, says the agency’s latest report likely under-represents the number of Delta variant cases.

“It is important to note that genome sequencing for the variants is not a diagnostic test in the same way as the PCR test for COVID-19. It is a longer and less urgent process than diagnostic tests. The turnaround time for diagnostic PCR tests, which is a better indicator of the risk of transmission, has not changed. The state lab continues to provide results within 24 to 48 hours of receiving samples for COVID-19 PCR testing, ”Long said in a statement.

State health officials say getting vaccinated remains the best way for Mainers to protect themselves.

“Maine CDC expects to see a greater impact of the Delta variant in the state in the coming weeks. While Maine’s high vaccination rate limits the routes of transmission, the Delta variant is opportunistic. Vaccination remains. the best way for residents of Maine to protect themselves from the Delta variant and other forms of COVID-19, as our partners at Maine hospitals tell us the majority of patients requiring treatment for severe symptoms of COVID-19 are not fully vaccinated, ”Maine CDC director Nirav Shah said in a statement.

Copyright 2021 WMTW. All rights reserved.