The Delta variant of coronavirus continues to be the dominant strain circulating in Delhi and has been found in around 80% of the samples that the Delhi government sent for genome sequencing over the last three months.

In the month of July, data shared by the health department revealed that the Delta variant was found in 83.3% of the samples that were sent for genome sequencing. In May the variant was detected in 81.7% of the samples, while in June, it was detected in 88.6% samples. In the month of April, the variant was detected in 53.9% of the samples.

The Alpha variant was the other variant of concern that was detected in samples sent by Delhi government to National Centre for Disease Control.

Dr Arun Gupta, president of Delhi Medical Council, said that the second wave was not over, adding that the Delta variant is still circulating. There are fewer cases in the national capital as several individuals have already been exposed to it.

Experts have stated that the Delta variant was not just highly transmissible in comparison with other versions of the virus, but it also had a higher viral load and vaccination breakthrough rate. A study conducted by leading scientists from NCDC, CSIR Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology and Academy for Scientific and Innovative Research revealed that previous infections, high seropositivity and partial vaccination were not sufficient to curb its spread. It said that robust public health measures on a global level are needed to contain its spread.

Dr Gupta added that wearing a mask, practicing social distancing and maintaining hand hygiene were essential for the prevention of disease spread. Vaccination rates also had to rise. 

Source: ET Healthworld