New variant of the coronavirus detected in North Dakota

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota health officials say they have documented a new version of the coronavirus in the state.

The state Health Department says the delta variant was confirmed in an adult who was not hospitalized.

No other details were released.

Health officials say the variant is more easily transmitted for person to person and early tests show is can cause serious disease.

Although it only accounts for 20% of infections in the U.S., health officials worry it could become the dominant variant.

Early data indicates the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are highly effective against the variant and state officials are urging residents to get fully vaccinated.