DHSS Press Release

DPH Media Relations Coordinator Contact:
Laura Matusheski
Email: DPHMedia@Delaware.gov

Date: September 5, 2023
DHSS-9-2023

FIRST POSITIVE CASE OF COVID-19 VARIANT BA.2.86 IDENTIFIED IN DELAWARE

DOVER, Del. (Sept. 5, 2023) - The Delaware Public Health Laboratory (DPHL) has identified a case of SARS-CoV-2 lineage BA.2.86 from a specimen provided to the laboratory for testing. This is the first case of BA.2.86 detected in Delaware, currently classified as a Variant Being Monitored (VBM) by the SARS-CoV-2 Interagency Group (SIG). The case was detected in a Pennsylvania resident seen at a Delaware Hospital. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is publishing weekly updates on this new variant including current risk assessment and scientific analysis on its website: https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/whats-new/covid-19-variant-update-2023-08-30.html.

These latest developments are a reminder that while the Public Health Emergency (PHE) for COVID-19 has ended, COVID-19 is not over. An updated COVID-19 vaccine, designed to protect against the newly circulating variants, will be available later this month pending final approvals, and more details will be forthcoming. The Division of Public Health reminds everyone to follow the appropriate strategies to keep COVID-19 in check:

Get vaccinated or boosted when eligible (Talk to your health care provider or visit a public health clinic to discuss what is best for your individual situation).
Stay home if sick and get tested if you have symptoms or were exposed to someone with COVID-19.
If you test positive, inquire about treatment.
Wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces, as cases rise, or if you or someone you know is at higher risk for illness.

To learn about vaccine and test availability, isolation guidelines, and more, please visit de.gov/coronavirus.

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), a division of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, is a nationally accredited public health agency recognized by the Public Health Accreditation Board for its outstanding dedication to driving change through innovation.

Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind or speech disabled can contact DPH by dialing 711 first using specialized devices (i.e. TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free and to learn more about how it works, please visit delawarerelay.com.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

FIRST POSITIVE CASE OF COVID-19 VARIANT BA.2.86 IDENTIFIED IN DELAWARE

Delaware's Government