An internal document obtained by national news outlets including Sinclair, shows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states the COVID-19 delta variant appears to be as contagious as chickenpox.
The document, which is an unpublished CDC presentation, says that the delta variant, which is causing virus surges across the U.S., appears to be able to spread as easily as chickenpox, and more so than smallpox, the common cold, and even the 1918 “Spanish” flu.
The mention is on slide 15 of the presentation, which is embedded below
CNN reports that inoculated people might be able to spread the delta variant at the same rate as unvaccinated people. The outlet says the report is expected to be published Friday. Reports say vaccinated people are still safer, as vaccines prevent 90% or more of severe diseases from the virus.
The document also states that the delta variant is more transmissible than:
- MERS
- SARS
- Ebola
- The common cold
- Seasonal flu
- 1918 “Spanish” flu
- Smallpox
Previously known as the “Indian variant” and first discovered in India, the delta variant is also known as B.1.617.2.
Dr. James E.K. Hildreth, infectious disease expert and President/CEO of Meharry Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn. appeared on MSNBC Thursday night.
He says the Delta variant is fueling infection surges in Tennessee and across the nation.
This comes as the CDC updates its mask guidance, recommending that even vaccinated people return to wearing masks indoors in parts of the U.S. where the delta variant of the coronavirus is fueling infection surges — including in Tennessee and dozens of other states.