By Madelyn Edwards
(DALLAS) The delta variant of the coronavirus, which was first identified in India, has more than doubled in prevalence from May 28 to June 3, The Dallas Morning News reports.
The alpha variant is still more common in North Texas, but the delta variant is more transmissible, said Dr. James Cutrell, an infectious-disease expert at UT Southwestern Medical Center.
In Dallas County as of Thursday, there were 110 alpha variant cases and six delta variant cases.
“I predict that in the next two to four weeks, the delta variant will become the dominant one that we’re seeing here in North Texas,” Cutrell said.
A month ago, the delta variant made up less than 3% of cases in the U.S., but last week, about 10% of cases were the delta variant, The Dallas Morning News reports. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are calling the delta variant a "variant of concern."
The two-dose vaccines Moderna and Pfizer can protect against the delta variant, but that protection is only 30% to 50% with just one dose. With two shots, the vaccines are 88% to 90% effective against the delta variant. Less is known about the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine’s protection against variants, but it is expected to provide some protection.
“So the people who are most at risk and most vulnerable from the delta variant are people who haven’t gotten any vaccine at all,” Cutrell said.
Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins announced on Monday that about 56.7% of Dallas County residents have been vaccinated with one dose. The Dallas Morning News reports that 47.6% of residents 12 years and older have been fully vaccinated.
Vaccinations statewide, including Dallas County, have declined since April. The Fair Park vaccination site is scheduled to close on July 17 in the footsteps of other local mass vaccination sites that have seen a decrease in demand.
The Parkland Center for Clinical Innovation predicts that the county will reach 80% of residents vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19, or herd immunity, in late July.
To register for a COVID-19 vaccine in Dallas County, visit the county’s website.