Indian variant of COVID-19 found in Georgia

Atlanta, June 10, COVID-19 variant first discovered in India have been detected across Georgia in the United States, according to a spokesperson for the Georgia Department of Public Health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Delta variant B.1.617.2 is classified as a variant of interest, reports said. Director of the National Institutes of Health Dr. Francis Collins warned: "It's more contagious, probably about 40-50% more likely to spread from one person to the next, It particularly can affect younger people. And it looks like it also may be more dangerous when it comes to the severity of the disease" he said.

Less than 20 cases were detected in Georgia. "I don't have an exact number for Delta in Georgia, but it's extremely low, fewer than 20, and I do not have county level data," Nancy Nydam with the Georgia Department of Public Health said. According to the CDC, this particular variant of interest originated from India in December 2020. Dr. Collins said the Delta variant took over the United Kingdom and has now reached the United States.