Tracking the COVID-19 pandemic: Here’s what to know about the delta variant

First Polk County vaccine lottery winners announced  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  TRACKING THE COVID-19 VACCINE Jun 25, 2021 What should you know about the delta variant? It's a version of the coronavirus that has been found in more than 80 countries since it was first detected in India.  Viruses constantly mutate and most changes aren’t concerning. But there is a worry that some variants might evolve enough to be more contagious, cause more severe illness or evade the protection that vaccines provide. Experts say the delta variant spreads more easily because of mutations that make it better at latching onto cells in our bodies. In the United Kingdom, the variant is now responsible for 90% of all new infections. In the U.S., it represents 20% of infections, and health officials say it could become the country's dominant type as well. Studies have shown that the available vaccines work against variants, including the delta variant. The vaccines were protective for those who got both doses, but were less so among those who got one dose. It’s why experts say it’s important to be fully vaccinated. And it’s why they say making vaccines accessible globally is so critical. Read more about this story. TOP STORIES First Polk County vaccine lottery winners announced » TestIowa sites begin to close, delta variant reports increase in state » Iowa hospitals say majority of COVID-19 admissions are unvaccinated » Iowa reports 124 new positive COVID-19 tests, three additional deaths » MORE STORIES Majority of COVID-19 deaths in US are people who weren't vaccinated, analysis shows » How does exercise affect your chances against COVID-19? A doctor explains » COVID-19 pandemic leads some people to stop coloring their hair » COVID-19 deaths are still falling in the US, but the data shows these groups are still most at risk » MANAGE YOUR ACCOUNT If you'd like to receive some of our other email newsletters, you can tap or click the links below: Be among the first to receive National Breaking News or Local Breaking News as stories break. Catch up on the day's big stories with our Morning Headlines and Afternoon Digest newsletters. Receive our Daily Forecasts or get Severe Weather Alerts sent straight to your email inbox. Manage your email newsletter subscriptions » For the very latest information, download our free apps To ensure email delivery, add newsletters@e.kcci.com to your address book or safe senders list © 2021 Hearst Television Inc. 300 W 57th Street, New York NY 10019 Privacy Notice | Terms of Use | Unsubscribe