Miss. delta variant cases more than double in one week

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - The strain of COVID-19 that spreads easily is growing in Mississippi, as predicted by State Health Officer Thomas Dobbs.

“Delta variant increasing rapidly in MS,” Dobbs tweeted. “I predict it will be our dominant strain in 1-3 weeks.”

Mississippi State Health Department reports a total of 78 delta variant cases, compared to 29 cases on June 22.

Hinds County has seen the most significant increase in delta variant cases.

MSDH reported 29 cases a week ago and 44 as of June 29.

MSDH also reported four delta variant cases in Madison County last week, but now there are 16.

With the majority of Mississippians still unvaccinated, the threat of the variant is real, but state health leaders say current data still shows vaccines are the best way to go.

“Now, to be unvaccinated is a choice to get COVID-19,” said Dr. Jennifer Bryan, chair of the Mississippi State Medical Association.

The CDC says this particular strain of the virus spreads more quickly and can cause either milder or more severe disease in people.

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