The extremely contagious delta variation, which was initially detected in India late last year, is to blame for the recent increase in COVID-19 infections. Now, a modification of that variety is making the rounds in the media. Here’s what we know about the COVID sub-strain known as delta plus.
The delta plus variation is comparable to the existing delta variant except for the presence of the K417N spike protein mutation. Spike proteins are bumps on the outside of the virus that allow it to attach to human cells. The delta plus mutation is identical to the one found in the beta version. According to the Washington Post, some specialists believe delta plus is even more contagious than the currently dominant delta form, but there is no universal agreement on this point.
According to the Washington Post, only a few delta plus cases have been sequenced to date, although they have been found in the United States, the United Kingdom, and India. According to Reuters, South Korea revealed on Tuesday that it had found its first two cases of delta plus. A traveler returning from the United States is said to be one of such cases.
It’s still too early to tell whether this delta plus variety will be more vaccine-resistant or contagious than the existing delta form, according to American researchers.
Pregnant women should be vaccinated against COVID-19, according to experts.
Dr. Rochelle Walensky of the Centers for Disease Control recently revealed how much more contagious the delta is than the initial strain that caused the first wave of global infections.
“You could infect roughly two other unvaccinated people if you get sick with the alpha variant,” she warned. “We estimate that if you get sick with the delta variety, you could infect roughly five other unvaccinated people, which is more than twice as many as the original strain.”
The CDC altered directions on masks last week, advising even vaccinated people to wear them inside in places where the virus is spreading, which is now most of the country.
The immediate cause was a recent epidemic in Provincetown, Massachusetts, as reported by disease detectives. The delta variation was to blame, and the majority of people who were affected had received vaccinations. Although only a few vaccinated people became ill enough to be admitted to the hospital, preliminary studies revealed that vaccinated patients with breakthrough infections carried about the same amount of viruses as unprotected people.
In total, more than 4 million new COVID-19 cases were recorded globally in the last week, with the Middle East and Asia seeing the biggest spikes.
This article was written with the help of the Associated Press.
Reference:https://www.wnct.com/health/coronavirus/what-is-the-delta-plus-variant/
