What You Need to Know about the COVID-19 Variants in Colorado
By Robert Davis
Colorado state health officials were joined by members of the Centers for Disease Control in Grand Junction this week to help investigate a growing number of COVID-19 Delta variant cases in western Colorado.
In addition to providing technical assistance to CDC officials, members of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) increased infection prevention requirements in residential care facilities and updated the residential care facility mitigation guidance ahead of the visit.
The measures implemented by CDPHE include using a state-contracted lab for all variant testing, requiring all unvaccinated residents and staff to take a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test twice per week until they are fully vaccinated, and performing daily variant testing in conjunction with PCR testing.
CDPHE said the measures may be implemented in situations to “identify variants of concern, increase transmission” within a particular facility, or in situations where state health officials see an “increase in morbidity and mortality” during a specific outbreak.
“The proportion of Colorado cases due to the Delta variant has been rapidly increasing; now estimated to be greater than 50% of cases,” Dr. Rachel Herlihy, the state epidemiologist, said in a statement. “We are taking extra precautions and turning to the CDC for additional support to make sure we know how and why the Delta variant is spreading in western Colorado.”
While state health officials work to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 variants across the state, residents should remain vigilant regarding the rise of variant cases, officials say.
What COVID-19 variants are in Colorado?
There are currently five known variants of the COVID-19 (SARS-coV-2) virus. Each of them has been detected in Colorado, according to CDPHE data. The four variants of greatest concern are named after the first four letters of the Greek alphabet – Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta. However, their names don’t necessarily indicate prevalence or strength, scientists say.
Each of the variants was previously known by where they originated. For example, the Alpha strain was known as the “UK variant” because it first appeared on the isle. Similarly, the Delta variant was also known as the “Indian variant” because it arrived from the Asian subcontinent.
Currently, the variant causing the least concern in Colorado is the B.1.351 variant, also known as the “South African” variant. A total of 59 cases has been observed across the state’s 64 counties, according to CDPHE data.
The B.1.1.7 variant, also known as the Alpha variant, is causing the most concern among state health officials right now. This variant is known for its high transmissibility and ease of mutation. This makes it very difficult to both prevent and control, state health officials say.
However, Delta variant cases are rising quickly. Experts believe Delta is between 43% and 90% more transmissible than Alpha, and 30% to 100% more infectious. Researchers are still unsure why the variant is so much more transmissible.
CDPHE said it identified the first Colorado case of the Delta variant on May 5 in Mesa County. As of June 22, the variant had been identified in 28 additional counties, although Mesa accounts for 54% of Delta variant cases in Colorado.
The agency has also confirmed over 300 cases of the P.1 variant from Brazil, in Colorado. Researchers recently sounded the alarm about the P.1 variant because of its ability to mutate to evade antibodies, according to a report by Reuters.
Where are most of the variant cases located?
According to CDPHE’s county-level data, the highest incident rates for variant cases are occurring in the counties with the highest populations. Denver County, Adams County, Jefferson County, and Douglas County are all reporting more than 1,000 total variant cases as of Friday, June 25.
A majority of the variant cases in Colorado are caused by the Alpha strain, CDPHE data says. In El Paso County alone, there are more than 2,000 confirmed Alpha cases.
However, the number of cases involving variants other than Alpha is arising in more rural counties. Mesa County currently leads the way in Delta variant cases with 288. The next highest total case count comes from El Paso County with just 103.
Meanwhile, cases of the Epsilon variant (B.1.427/429) are most common in Jefferson, Denver, and Adams counties. The Epsilon variant is the second-most common variant detected in the state.
Most of the P.1 variant cases are contained in Denver, Arapahoe, and Adams counties. There are no current variant cases in Cheyenne County, according to CDPHE.
What are the symptoms for each variant type?
The symptoms for each variant are very similar to those for the SARS-coV-2 virus. According to Johns Hopkins Medical Center, symptoms can include fever, chills, lack of appetite, and body aches. There could also be asymptomatic cases, scientists say.
A recent study from the U.K. found that symptoms can vary in degree and severity based on the variant an individual contracts. For example, the most common symptoms for the Delta variant include headache, then followed by sore throat, runny nose, and fever. More traditional COVID-19 symptoms such as loss of smell or taste are becoming rarer, the study says.
Anyone experiencing symptoms should immediately contact a local health professional or medical provider.
Have there been any outbreaks?
In June, there were 46 outbreaks reported by CDPHE. Three hundred cases were reported to the agency, and they have resulted in just five deaths.
Twenty-one of the reported outbreaks came from assisted living facilities, skilled nursing homes, or group living homes, according to CDPHE data. The two outbreaks that prompted state officials to visit the Western Slope occurred at the Grand River Health Care Center in Garfield County and a Walmart in Archuleta County.
A total of seven staff members tested positive for COVID-19 between the outbreaks, but they are a part of a disturbing trend among many western counties. Garfield County’s public health department reported 53 new COVID-19 cases, a 6.7% positivity rate, and an 11% hospitalization rate the week of June 14.
At the same time, only 52% of Garfield County is fully vaccinated, according to local data. Grand River Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kevin Coleman told the Glenwood Post Independent that the county’s low vaccination rate is one reason why there is an increasing incidence of variant cases.
“Across this nation in areas with lower vaccination rates, we are seeing increases in hospitalizations and COVID cases,” he said. “And when you couple that in western Colorado with the emergence of the delta stream of COVID in our community, the potential to overwhelm our local health care systems is evident.”
What can I do to protect myself and my loved ones?
State and federal health officials agree: getting vaccinated is still the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19 and its variants.
Currently, everyone aged 12 years and older is eligible to receive one of the three available vaccines. Each of them is approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration and is effective at protecting against the SARS-coV-2 virus. It is free to receive a vaccine.
Sara Brainard, Garfield County’s public health manager, told the Post Independent that the three available vaccines are also 88% effective against the Delta variant.
“If you do receive the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine, it is a two-dose series, and you need to make sure that you complete that series according to the guidelines,” Brainard added.
Photo by Daniel Schludi on Unsplash