Arushi Bidhuri
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Written By: Arushi Bidhuri | Published : August 6, 2021 5:45 PM IST
Covid-19 Delta Variant Has Reached 135 Countries
The highly infectious Delta variant is now the dominant coronavirus strain in the world. It has now been affected 135 countries, according to the data by the World Health Organization. WHO officials fear that the total number of coronavirus cases reported worldwide may have surpassed 200 million by next week. According to the Covid-19 Weekly Epidemiological Update of this week that Alpha variant cases have been reported in 182 countries, Delta has been reported in 135 countries Beta variant has been found in 132 countries and Gamma variant in 81 countries.
According to the latest reports, for more than a month, the global number of new cases has been rising, with over 4 million cases reported in the last week.
The Delta variant, also known as B.1.617.2, is a potential COVID-19 variant that was responsible for India's virulent second wave of coronavirus. The new variation is now the most common strain in the globe, with over 100 countries affected.
According to the researchers, infection with the Delta variation results in tenfold larger viral levels in the airways than infection with the Alpha type, which is highly contagious. The CDC has advised everyone to wear indoor masks after a dramatic increase in the number of individuals infected with the Delta COVID-19 strain (even those who are fully vaccinated). The risk of the extremely contagious delta from spreading, even among vaccinated people, was mentioned by the health authority.
While case numbers and hospitalizations are on the rise in some countries, it's unclear whether Delta is making people sicker than previous strains of the virus or if it's simply circulating among more vulnerable populations where case numbers are high, vaccination rates are low, and hospital systems are under increased strain, affecting patient care and disease outcomes.
Some studies suggest that the Delta variant, first identified in India, can evade the antibodies that target specific parts of the virus. But the good news is that the best protection for you is to get vaccinated to avoid the spread of this variant. Experts believe that taking vaccines can reduce the severity of the virus infection. "Vaccines prevent more than 90 per cent of severe disease, but maybe less effective at preventing infection or transmission. Therefore, more breakthrough and more community spread despite vaccination," said a CDC document.
(with inputs from agencies)
