The delta variant of the coronavirus now accounts for more than half of all new COVID-19 cases in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The delta variant, widely considered the most contagious strain of the virus, now makes up 51.7% of new infections, CNN reported, citing CDC data.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said the delta variant poses a “significant threat” to unvaccinated people.
Fauci said the delta variant is not only more transmissible, it can also cause more severe disease.
“If ever there was a reason to get vaccinated, this is it,” he told CNN’s Anderson Cooper on Tuesday.
Health experts warn that the risk of getting the delta variant is especially high in areas with lagging vaccination rates.
