CHARLESTON — Wood County is in the top five of West Virginia counties with the most delta infections while almost 1,500 new cases of the virus have been recorded since the state’s last coronavirus update, according to the Monday pandemic report by the Department of Health and Human Resources.

The more-infectious delta variant, which is becoming the predominant mutation around the world, the country and the state, totaled 322 across the state with 18 in Wood County.

Most of the delta infections are in Berkeley County with 43, followed by 26 in Monongalia, 22 in Harrison and 18 in Wood and Marion counties.

In this region, 11 delta mutations were found in Jackson Coun ty, six in Wetzel County, two in Gilmer and Tyler counties, one in Calhoun and Roane counties and none in Doddridge, Pleasants and Wirt counties.

The delta variant has been found in some vaccinated residents who generally have had less severe symptoms, state health officials said. Data is being compiled by the state through a voluntary study on antibody levels in residents vaccinated six months ago in preparation for when booster shots may be required.

The Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department on Monday posted on its Facebook site that it is not administering the third vaccine dose pending the approval and the criteria to meet to receive the vaccine.

“Once we are given direction, we will let the community know how to set up an appointment,” the department said. “Walk ins will not be accepted.”

The state reported 1,458 new cases of the virus since the last report on Friday. Active cases in West Virginia were at 5,949 as of Monday.

The last time active cases were this high was the third week in May, according to the state virus dashboard statistics. The low for active cases in more than a year was 882 in July before the latest surge in new infections.

However, DHHR Secretary Bill Crouch on Monday warned of a problem in the state reporting system and the number of infections could jump as much as 700 in addition to the new cases.

Two deaths were confirmed on Monday morning, a 62-year-old woman from Putnam County and a 66-year-old man from Raleigh County.

“We mourn the loss of these West Virginiana and send our sympathies to their loved ones,” said Crouch. “I urge you to schedule your COVID vaccine today.”

The state reported 324 patients are in a hospital with COVID complications with 110 in an intensive care unit and 44 people on ventilators, the highest numbers since February.

Wetzel, Barbour and Berkeley counties are red on the County Alert System map based on infection rate and percent positivity. Red is the highest level of alert.

Wood, Pleasants, Roane and Tyler counties are orange, No. 2 in severity. Jackson and Ritchie are gold, mid level, Calhoun is yellow, second level, Wirt and Doddridge are green, the lowest level of spread and percent positivity.

Active cases in Wood County are at 234. In other counties, five in Wirt, 147 in Wetzel, 39 in Tyler, 33 in Roane, 18 in Ritchie, 19 in Pleasants, 61 in Jackson, 17 in Gilmer, 12 in Doddridge and 14 in Calhoun.