People wearing masks outside of a coronavirus vaccine site in Los Angeles on July 6. Photo: Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Image
The Delta variant is now the dominant version of COVID-19 in the United States, according to new estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Why it matters: The Delta variant, first detected in India, is more transmissible than other versions and is rapidly spreading in multiple countries around the world.
Of note: All coronavirus vaccines used in the U.S. protect against the Delta variant.
By the numbers: The Delta variant surpassed the Alpha variant and accounted for 51.7% of new COVID cases in the U.S. over the two weeks ending July 3.
- The variant, also known as B.1.617.2, now accounts for roughly 80% of new coronavirus cases in Missouri.
- Roughly 67% of U.S. adults have had at least one shot, and 58% are fully vaccinated, according to the CDC.
The big picture: The World Health Organization has said the Delta variant is anticipated to become the dominant variant globally.
- The rise of the variant has prompted local governments in the U.S. and national governments in other countries to reimplement mask mandates, Axios' Marisa Fernandez reports.
Go deeper: States most vulnerable to COVID are also some of the least vaccinated