COVID19 Delta Variant

COVID19 Delta variant overview

It is the nature of a virus to change in order to adapt and survive. New strains of a virus emerge when the virus undergoes one or more mutations. As the pandemic continues around the globe, scientists and researchers continue to study the various strains of the SARS-CoV-2.

The COVID-19 Delta variant is a topic of discussion around the world and a cause of concern for WHO because this variant is a highly contagious strain of the novel coronavirus. It is now a dominant strain worldwide and by far, the most contagious and hyper-transmissible version of the virus. This is an alarming situation because it has been speculated that the Delta variant may accelerate the pandemic.

When and where it started?

The COVID-19 Delta variant, also known as B.1.617.2, was first identified in India in October 2020. It caused a massive surge in cases across the country with a daily report of 400,000 new cases and more than 3000 deaths per day.

Symptoms

Quoting in general, the symptoms of the infection by the delta variant are similar to those of the other COVID-19 strains, i.e.,

1. Fever
2. Dry and persistent cough
3. Shortness of breath
4. Sore throat
5. Headache
6. Temporary loss of taste or smell
7. Digestion issues
8. Fatigue
9. Flu-like respiratory symptoms
10. 10.Muscle aches

However, cough and loss of sense of taste and smell are relatively less common. Another point to note is that the Delta variant can result in twice more hospitalizations than the other COVID-19 strains.

Geographical distribution (epidemiology)

It has spread to about 104 countries around the globe and now more than 97% of the new cases of COVID-19 are due to the Delta strain.

First identified in India and then spread to Great Britain. The Delta variant is now a cause of concern in many countries causing a deadly fourth wave surge. In July 2021, it has become the dominant strain in the United States according to the Centre for Disease Control (CDC).

It has also spread like wildfire in Asian countries surrounding India. Nepal, in particular, was badly hit resulting in a high death toll. Cases in Afghanistan were on a rise in the entire June of 2021. The Health Minister of Afghanistan stated that 60% of cases of COVID-19 in the capital, Kabul were due to the Delta variant. Similarly, the Delta variant was detected in 94% of the tests done in Indonesia. This situation might lead Indonesia to a catastrophe with the shortage of hospital beds and oxygen supply across the country. An alarming number of cases were also reported in Bangladesh, Thailand, and Pakistan.

Delta variant case distribution 8 August 2021

Source: www.gisaid.org

Infectivity

The Delta variant is twice as transmissible as the original variant and is possibly more dangerous than the original variant and twice more likely to lead to hospitalization. This is because the Delta variant has mutations on the spike proteins which makes it easier for the strain to enter and infect the human body cells.

Only 27.6% population of the world’s population is vaccinated according to the data received from various countries (as of 29th July 2021). This indicates that not many people are vaccinated or have not received the full vaccination course yet. So, the majority of the world’s population remains susceptible to infection by the Delta variant and they may remain susceptible to the severe form of the disease or even death.

Death rate

The death rate due to the Delta variant is six times higher. But death is not the only consequence to worry about, being hospitalized and ventilated are also the cause of concern.

Effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines against the Delta variant

Researches have revealed that unvaccinated people are at risk.

However, vaccines confer at least some protection against the deadly strain. The effectiveness of only one dose of a certified COVID-19 vaccine is lower (30%) in persons suffering from the Delta variant infection. Whereas two doses of a vaccine confer 88% protection against the Delta variant.

In another study, it has been revealed that variants of the novel coronavirus will continue to appear as long as a large population of the world remains unvaccinated.

Difference between the original variant and the Delta variant

• The Delta variant spreads more efficiently among the population than the original variant of the CoVID-19 that was first detected in December 2019.
• It has been studied that this variant is capable of partially evading the antibodies produced by the body’s immune system after a COVID-19 infection or vaccination.
• The Delta variant is deadlier than the original variant of COVID-19 and causes more severe illness, with twice more chances of hospitalization.

How to protect yourself from the deadly Delta variant?

The most important thing to protect yourself from the Delta variant is to get vaccinated as soon as possible and complete the full course of vaccination. Try to get a WHO-approved vaccine because studies have revealed that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine confers 88% protection against symptomatic disease and 96% protection against hospitalization. Similarly, the AstraZeneca vaccine is 60% effective against symptomatic disease and 93% effective against hospitalization.

Moreover, it is important to follow all necessary SOPs such as social distancing and the use of face masks to protect against the Delta variant. The WHO has advised even vaccinated people to continue practicing social distancing and to continue wearing masks.