Delta Variant cases climbing thanks to mutation Unmute (WSIL) -- The C.D.C. says the new Delta Variant may be responsible for up to twenty percent of COVID-19 cases reported in the last two weeks. SIU Associate Professor, Keith Gagnon, says the Delta Variant likely won't be any more detrimental to the body once it's there. It may create a larger viral load in the body, and has proven to be much more transmissible. Since the level of transmissibility is higher you are more likely to get it if you're not vaccinated. "It's easier to pass on. It may also have some other features about it, like it may be able to reach a higher viral load, which means it can make more virus particles inside a person. The good news is it's still easily handled by the vaccines, or most vaccines that we know of so that's a good sign."