Ohio Republican tests positive for breakthrough COVID-19 case

Rep. Bob Latta (R-Ohio) revealed on Monday evening that he had contracted a breakthrough case of COVID-19 and will be quarantining.

“Recently, I was notified that someone I was around who was vaccinated tested positive for the coronavirus. Even though I am fully vaccinated, to be cautious, I got tested because of the exposure. Today, I got the test results, and I did test positive for COVID-19,” Latta, 65, wrote on Twitter.

Recently, I was notified that someone I was around who was vaccinated tested positive for the coronavirus. Even though I am fully vaccinated, to be cautious, I got tested because of the exposure. Today, I got the test results, and I did test positive for COVID-19.

— U.S. Rep. Bob Latta (@boblatta) September 20, 2021

“I am following CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] guidance and will be quarantining. During this time, I will still be working to represent #OH5 from my home. I am vaccinated, and because of that, thankfully I have no symptoms,” he added. “Even when vaccinated, it is important to remain vigilant against COVID-19 and to follow CDC guidance.”

Latta is the the 12th member of Congress known to have developed a breakthrough of the coronavirus.

News of Latta’s positive COVID-19 diagnosis came the same day fellow Ohio congressman Tim Ryan (D) shared that he had also contracted COVID-19 after his vaccination. It is unclear if Ryan was the infected individual Latta was exposed to. 

“While I’m currently experiencing mild symptoms, I’m grateful to have the protection of a safe and effective vaccine — and I know without it, this illness could be much, much worse,” Ryan, 48, said on Monday.

Other lawmakers such as Reps. Troy Nehls (R-Texas) and Mike Doyle (D-Pa.) and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) have also contracted COVID-19 despite being vaccinated themselves.

The COVID-19 vaccines currently approved for use in the U.S. are known to be less effective in the elderly, with protection waning some months after injection.

Last week, an advisory panel for the Food and Drug Administration voted unanimously to recommend booster shots for people over the age of 65.