The year 2020 came with several challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Once the vaccines were released to the general public, many believed this was the end of the strict guidelines. However, as restrictions were lifted, a new danger presented itself. The Delta variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus was first documented in India in December of 2020 and has since spread worldwide. Now, it’s known for being highly contagious and potentially more deadly than the original strain of COVID-19.
Understandably, many questions are surrounding this new variant. Here’s what we know so far.
What is the Delta variant?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the delta variant, otherwise known as the B.1.617.2 lineage, has been reported in 80 countries and has become the most commonly spread variant. Because of this, there is a common fear that this strain could lead to renewed pandemic restrictions or another quarantine. So, what is it exactly?
While the original COVID-19 virus has spike proteins that can attach to human cells, the Delta variant has mutated spike proteins that bind more easily. This mutation is why people are more likely to contract this variant and why those who have it are more contagious.
How contagious is the Delta variant?
After performing genomic surveillance, Dr. Scott Gottlieb (formerly from the FDA) found that approximately 10% of new COVID-19 cases are connected to the delta variant. Another study from the U.K. found that the variant is about 60% more transmissible than the alpha variant, which was initially 50% more infectious than the original SARS-CoV-2 strain. In terms of the fatality rate, scientists are still looking into the numbers. However, based on data from the U.K. and the United States, the delta variant is more likely to lead to hospitalization and death, particularly for unvaccinated patients.
