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Michigan has yet to be hit by a substantial wave of COVID-19 cases linked to the more infectious new delta variant.
As of July 20, Michigan health officials have found 71 cases of coronavirus infection involving the delta variant, also known as strain B.1.617.2, in 21 counties. That’s an increase of 17 cases and five counties from the previous week.
In the past four weeks, the latest worrying variant accounted for 2.4% of Michigan’s worrying variants. By way of comparison, the alpha strain (B.1.1.7) represented 93.7% of the sequenced sample, and the Gamma strain (P.1) represented 3.3%.
But doctors are keeping tabs on what’s going on across the country, as the variant originally discovered in India now accounts for 83% of new coronavirus cases in the United States. They are particularly concerned about the potential risk to the unvaccinated population if the delta variant becomes endemic in Michigan.
“While our hospitalization rate continues to be the lowest in the past, compared to what we’ve seen over the past 18 months, we’re definitely keeping an eye out and concerned about what we’re seeing in the country as a result. as far as the highly contagious delta. variant is concerned, ”said Dr. Adnan Munkarah, executive vice president and clinical director of Henry Ford Health System.
The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that the delta variant has a transmission rate more than 50% higher than that of the original strain of coronavirus that struck the United States last spring. For unvaccinated residents in particular, the variant doubles the likelihood of needing to be hospitalized if infected.
Additionally, it has shown reduced sensitivity to antibody therapy and has been linked to increased hospitalizations and deaths.
“This is something that we are certainly monitoring very closely when it comes to our COVID numbers,” Munkarah said. “What is most important is that 97% of people hospitalized today are not vaccinated.”
Additionally, Munkarah said the Henry Ford Health System has not had a vaccinated patient admitted to intensive care with COVID-19, and 99.5% of people who have died from COVID-19 at this point are not vaccinated, “again providing definitive data and science that vaccines protect people from dying.
Related: Two Genesee County Residents Test Positive for Delta COVID-19 Variant
Elsewhere in the United States, the delta variant is becoming more and more prevalent, leading some communities like Los Angeles County and Las Vegas to bring back indoor mask warrants for all individuals, regardless of their vaccination status.
While Michigan is not yet on that path – the state has the sixth fewest new weekly cases per 100,000 population – it could find itself experiencing another surge if the delta variant hits its communities with rates of lower vaccination. Recent mobility data from the University of Michigan indicates that mobility levels are similar to states with high levels of community spread.
To limit the potential damage from another wave, Munkarah said it was paramount that residents get vaccinated and protect not only themselves, but those around them as well. He noted that several studies published in medical journals found that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines continued to be effective against all known variants, including the delta strain.
The vaccines are widely available in Michigan, and health officials are monitoring their safety and effectiveness in preventing serious illness from the coronavirus. To find a vaccine near you, visit the Michigan COVID-19 vaccine website.
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