Sens. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Angus King (I-Maine) have tested positive for breakthrough cases of COVID-19.
On Thursday, the two senators’ offices announced that the lawmakers, who are both vaccinated, tested positive for the virus.
Wicker’s Communications Director Phillip Waller said in a statement, “Senator Wicker tested positive this morning for the COVID-19 virus after immediately seeking a test due to mild symptoms. Senator Wicker is fully vaccinated against COVID-19, is in good health, and is being treated by his Tupelo-based physician.
“He is isolating, and everyone with whom Senator Wicker has come in close contact recently has been notified,” Waller added.
And in a separate statement, King said, “While I am not feeling great, I’m definitely feeling much better than I would have without the vaccine. I am taking this diagnosis very seriously, quarantining myself at home and telling the few people I’ve been in contact with to get tested in order to limit any further spread.”
Wicker and King are the second and third senators to test positive for the coronavirus after being vaccinated.
Earlier this month, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) became the first senator to test positive for the virus after being vaccinated, as IJR reported.
“I feel like I have a sinus infection, and at present time I have mild symptoms. I will be quarantining for ten days. I am very glad I was vaccinated because without vaccination, I am certain I would not feel as well as I do now. My symptoms would be far worse,” he said, announcing his diagnosis.
While the vaccines are not 100% effective at preventing infections, they are highly effective at preventing serious illness or death.
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has shown that roughly 99.99% of vaccinated individuals have not had a case that resulted in hospitalization or death.