Fact check: How does the CDC track the delta variant?
In a popular Facebook meme, a pensive Albert Einstein doubts the existence of the variant by claiming there is no test for it, saying: "Since there is no 'delta variant' test exactly how are people being diagnosed with the delta variant." PolitiFact checks the claim.
Posted — UpdatedYour browser doesn't support HTML5 video.
Public health experts say the delta variant of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus appears to be twice as contagious as the original coronavirus, and has become the dominant strain in the United States.
So, we must have a test that diagnoses this new mutation, right?
With a rhetorical question, a meme that shows a pensive Albert Einstein doubts the existence of the variant by claiming there is no test for it, saying:
"SINCE THERE IS NO ‘DELTA VARIANT’ TEST EXACTLY HOW ARE PEOPLE BEING DIAGNOSED WITH DELTA VARIANT."
But through what is known as genomic sequencing, public health officials examine samples of cases to estimate what percentage were caused by delta.
Genomic sequencing from a positive test sample, said Stephen Morse, professor of epidemiology at Columbia University Medical Center, "would tell you unequivocally what variant infected that person."
What is a variant? What is the delta?
If individual testing doesn’t reveal delta, how do we know it is in play?
PolitiFact ruling
Individuals are not being diagnosed with the delta variant.
Routine individual tests don’t reveal whether COVID-19 was caused by the delta variant. Scientists use genomic sequencing to determine what percentage of cases were caused by the variant.
This post contains an element of truth, but ignores critical facts that would give a different impression.
We rate it Mostly False.
Related Topics
Copyright 2024 Politifact. All rights reserved.