The Delta Plus variant is the mutated form of the Delta variant, earlier found in India. The Delta variant has so far been found in 85 countries, according to health experts, and has been the driving force behind a surge in infection in South Africa.
The Delta+ variant of the coronavirus has wreaked havoc around the world, with increased transmissibility and resistance to certain drugs and therapies. India has previously declared it as a variant of concern, with the strain found in 49 samples from 12 states. Maharashtra has reported the highest number of cases of the Delta Plus variant.
Vaccination and safety measures such as wearing face masks are key to tackling the Delta+ variant of the coronavirus, said World Health Organization (WHO) representative in Russia Melita Vujnovic.
“We have to make an effort over a short period of time, otherwise there will be a lockdown,” Vujnovic said on Soloviev Live YouTube.
The Delta+ variant is the mutated form of the Delta variant, previously found in India. The Delta variant has so far been found in 85 countries, according to health experts, and has been the cause of an increase in infection in South Africa.
In fact, infectious disease experts in South Africa believe the country is already experiencing a third wave of infection with the Delta variant.
Earlier this month, the WHO included Delta on its list of coronavirus variants of concern.
Why is the Delta Plus variant of concern?
This new variant of the coronavirus, also known as AY.1, spreads almost 60% faster than its predecessor, the Delta variant. It also binds more easily to lung cells and has a higher resistance to some of the drugs used against Covid-19.
Dr Raman R Gangakhedkar, former chief scientist of epidemiology and communicable diseases at ICMR, said two gradual mutations occurred in the Delta variant, which was the dominant strain of coronavirus in the country until present. These mutations graduated L452R and P871R.
“These particular mutations add to the higher transmission efficiency so that the variant can spread quickly from person to person or can enter cells much more efficiently compared to other existing strains,” said Dr Gangakhedkar, calling Delta+ one of the most critical mutations in the coronavirus.
What are the symptoms?
Top Indian virologists have stated that the Delta+ variant exhibits the symptoms of Delta as well as its partner the beta variant. Some of these symptoms include cough, diarrhea, fever, headache, rash, discoloration of fingers and toes, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
Other symptoms listed by experts and attributed to the Delta+ variant are: upset stomach, nausea, and loss of appetite.
ALSO READ CoWin to enable users to link Covid-19 certificates to passports: How to do it
