The Indian strain of the coronavirus, the so-called delta variant of SARS-CoV-2, is twice as contagious as the “original” one, which was first recorded in Wuhan. This was stated by the chief researcher of the World Health Organization (WHO) Sumya Swaminathan.
According to a WHO representative, a person infected with this strain can transmit the infection “not to two, but to four, six and even eight.” Swaminathan noted that compared to the beginning of the pandemic, there are now many more cases when all family members become ill with the coronavirus.
Swaminathan did not rule out that the delta variant will soon become the dominant strain in the world, as previously happened with the alpha variant (British strain).
The expert added that most of the existing vaccines remain effective, “at least to prevent severe cases of the disease.”
The Indian strain of the coronavirus was discovered in India last October. According to the WHO, as of mid-June, it was found in more than 90 countries, a high degree of infectiousness and the abandonment of some of the restrictions led to its spread. The expert of the organization, Maria van Kerkhove, specified that, according to preliminary data, the delta variant increases the risk of a severe course of the disease. However, there is no evidence that the new strain is more deadly than others.
In June, authorities announced the discovery of an Indian strain of coronavirus in Russia. In particular, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said that 90% of new cases in the capital were infected with this option. According to the mayor, this is precisely the reason for the large increase in morbidity and hospitalizations in the capital.
A few days ago, a mutation of the Indian strain was discovered in India, which was called “delta plus”. According to the Ministry of Health of the country, it differs from the previous version in a higher spread rate, the ability to more strongly affect lung cells. In Russia, cases of infection with “delta plus” have not yet been registered, said Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova.
