Hyderabad: Even as the nation is on its recovery path from the pandemic surge; Delta Plus—another variant far more deadlier than Covid 19—has made way into many states reigniting the fear psychosis among the people in the country.
By mid-June, India had around 40 cases of this variant in Maharashtra, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh. But as we write this story, the highly transmissible Delta variant has been traced in 174 districts across the country and its sub-lineage, Delta Plus, has been detected in 48 samples in 10 states.
In the midst of its rapid spread, Etv Bharat answers some of the rudimentary questions about the highly transmissable Delta Plus.
- What is Delta Plus?
It is a sub-lineage of the Delta variant. It was first detected in India on June 11, according to Public Health England bulletin. Delta is causing a spike in COVID-19 infections among unvaccinated people.
- How is Delta variant different?
According to the WHO, the spike protein mutations make the Delta variant the “fastest and fittest” variant yet.
- Where did Delta variant come from?
Delta, also known as B.1.617.2, belongs to a viral lineage first identified in India during a ferocious wave of infections in April and May.
- Is the Delta variant more dangerous?
Data suggests the Delta variant carries a greater risk of hospitalization. It is 60% more transmissible than the Alpha (U.K.) strain and is more resistant to vaccines.
- Is the Delta variant more contagious?
Yes. The Delta variant appears to be even more contagious than the alpha strain. According to a study by Public Health England, Delta is 60% more transmissible than alpha.
- Is the Delta variant more transmissible?
Yes. The delta variant is now present in more than 80 countries. More transmissible than the alpha variant. The delta variant is behind more than 90% of new COVID cases in the UK.
- Does Delta variant have different symptoms?
Reports suggest that the delta variant causes more severe symptoms, but that more research is needed to confirm those conclusions. Still, there are signs the delta strain could provoke different symptoms than other variants.
- Is Covaxin effective against Delta Plus variant?
The Union Health Ministry said that both the Indian vaccines — Covaxin and Covishield — are effective against Delta Plus variant of Covid-19.
- Can I get Delta variant if already had Covid?
People who have already had COVID should be protected against it, but that it's not guaranteed.
