The highly transmissible Delta variant of Sars-Cov-2 has now been identified in 124 countries. Also, it is expected to become the dominant strain worldwide within months, says the World Health Organization (WHO).
The rapid transmission of this ‘variant of concern’ appears to be driven by multiple factors. These may vary from relaxation of social distancing norms among others, the WHO said.
“It is expected that it will rapidly outcompete other variants and become the dominant circulating lineage over the coming months,” the WHO in its weekly epidemiological update said.
Delta of Covid-19 is wreaking havoc across the globe. It now accounts for more than 75 per cent of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases in several countries. It is present in India, Bangladesh, Australia, South Africa, Britain, Singapore, Indonesia, Russia, and China among others, as per the report.
Over the past week, Indonesia reported the highest number of new Covid-19 cases, followed by Britain, Brazil, India, and the US.
Moreover, despite rising cases, UK has removed virtually all restrictions.
The WHO report says that growing evidence supports the Delta variant’s increased transmissibility. But the exact mechanism for it remains unclear so far.
WHO also says that the time interval from the exposure to the first positive PCR result may be shorter for the Delta variant as compared to non-variants of concern. The study also suggested that the Delta variant may be able to replicate faster and be more infectious during the early stages of infection.
“The evolution of transmission patterns as the pandemic continues will likely be influenced by the impact of the Covid-19 vaccination campaigns and by the emergence of more transmissible variants, or variants with properties of immune escape,” says the WHO.
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