DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF)- Research shows the COVID-19 Delta Variant is growing in North Texas and across the country.
The Delta Variant was first discovered in India.
Health officials are encouraging people to get vaccinated as the strain is causing a rise in cases and hospitalizations both locally and nationally.
According to a UT Southwestern analysis of case data, hospitalizations for COVID-19 have increased by 9% in Dallas County and 13% in Tarrant County.
Stephen Love with the DFW Hospital Council said this strain makes up about 25% of Covid-19 cases locally and it looks like it’s doubling every two weeks.
“At this rate, in 4-6 weeks the delta variant can become a completely new infection,” said Love. Love said compared to the “original” Covid-19 strain, one person infected with this specific delta strain could infect 5 people. He urges people to strongly consider getting vaccinated to protect themselves against this specific strain.
“We respect people who have not been vaccinated and we are not trying to preach to you or being judgmental but this is a very serious virus and we are not out of the woods yet,” he said.
Love said those who are vaccinated can still get infected but the chances of having severe symptoms and becoming hospitalized are extremely thin.
