Representative Troy Nehls (R-Texas) announced Saturday that he had tested positive in an advanced case of COVID-19.
“I shared with you on Wednesday that a close family member had fallen ill with COVID. Well, now I have tested positive and I am also symptomatic,” Nehls said. “I have moderate symptoms, but I am completely vaccinated and I hope it happens soon. I have been in quarantine at home and will continue to do so for at least the next ten days. “
– Congressman Troy Nehls (@RepTroyNehls) August 21, 2021
“All Americans are free to make their own health decisions, but I strongly encourage them to get vaccinated. It is scientifically proven to drastically reduce the risk of serious illness and death from COVID, ”Nehls said in his message.
Nehls ’diagnoses are the latest example of a lawmaker who has tested positive in an advanced infection, including three senators who announced positive tests in a single day last week.
A number of advanced infections are considered unavoidable, as no vaccine can guarantee 100% that a vaccinated person will not become infected, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes.
The New York Times, which analyzed preliminary data from seven states, reported last week that at least one in five new COVID-19 cases reported in six states were advanced cases. The news media noted that the delta variant may have complicated efforts to mitigate the cases, even among those who are fully vaccinated.
But experts say vaccines are still very effective in preventing serious illness, hospitalization and death, even among people who become infected.
The United States is already facing an increase in new cases of COVID-19, as the delta variant has made its way into unvaccinated communities.
According to the CDC, 71% of people 12 years of age or older are partially vaccinated and 60% are completely vaccinated.