Hospitals across India have reported several cases with the newly-identified Delta Plus COVID-19 variant. This new strain, identified on June 11, 2021, has raised concerns as experts have shared several warnings about the same. The head of the coronavirus group at the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) said that this strain has a 'greater affinity' to the lungs in comparison to the other strains.
Sharing more information in an interview with the PTI, Dr Arora said that there is no evidence yet that the virus could lead to severe disease and may be highly transmissible. Since June 11, over 51 cases have been identified with the Delta Plus variant. A total of 12 states have reported patients with the new strain and Maharashtra has reported the highest number of patients.
PTI quoted Dr. Arora and reported, "Delta Plus is having greater affinity to the mucosal lining in the lungs, higher compared to other variants, but if it causes damage or not is not clear yet. It also does not mean that this variant will cause more severe disease or it is more transmissible. We need to keep a very close watch and look at its spread so that it will give us transmission efficiency."
Furthermore, the effect of the strain is said to mild in patients who have been vaccinated with either one or both doses. Moreover, the understanding will develop only after analysing more cases with the Delta Plus strain. He further added that the cases could be asymptomatic in nature and hence the carriers could be more in number since they do not have any significant symptoms for coronavirus infection, but are spreading it to others.
Micro plans are being made by respective states to tackle the spread of this strain and vaccination will have to be increased across several districts which could help in containing it further. On being asked if this strain could trigger the predicted third COVID-19 wave, Arora said that the new waves are linked to strains and mutations, and hence it could be a possibility. However, it is difficult to predict the same, as a wave depends of many other factors.
The government has asked all the states to stay alert and take necessary action to curb the spread of the Delta Plus variant.
Also Read: Maharashtra Govt Issues New Level 3 Restrictions Over Concerns of Delta Plus Variant
Vaccination needs to be ramped up so people can build immunity for the strain and infection. Effectively administering the same, even a single dose, could increase the immunity which can help in reducing cases in the third wave, he added.
Share
Tweet
