The WHO assessed the infectivity of the Indian strain of coronavirus

The Indian strain of CORONAVIRUS, the so-called delta variant of SARS-CoV-2, is twice as infectious as the "original" one, which was first recorded in Wuhan. This was stated by the chief scientist of the World HEALTH Organization (WHO) Sumya Swaminathan.

According to a WHO spokesman, a person infected with this strain can transmit the infection "not to two, but to four, six and even eight." Swaminathan noted that, compared to the beginning of the pandemic, there are now many more cases when all family members become ill with the coronavirus.

Swaminathan did not rule out that the delta variant would soon become the dominant strain in the world, as happened earlier with the alpha variant (British strain).

The expert added that most existing vaccines remain effective, "at least to prevent severe cases of the disease."

The Indian strain of coronavirus was discovered in India in October last year. According to WHO, as of mid-June, it has been found in more than 90 countries, its spread was caused by a high degree of contagiousness and the abandonment of some restrictions. Organization expert Maria van Kerkhove specified that, according to preliminary data, the delta variant increases the risk of a severe course of the disease. However, there is no evidence that the new strain is more deadly than the others.

In June, authorities reported the discovery of an Indian strain of coronavirus in RUSSIA. In particular, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said that 90% of new cases in the capital were infected with this particular variant. According to the mayor, this is the reason for the large increase in morbidity and hospitalizations in the capital.

A few days ago, a mutation of the Indian strain was discovered in India, which was called "delta plus". According to the Ministry of Health of the country, it differs from the previous version in a higher rate of spread, the ability to more severely affect lung cells. In Russia, no cases of Delta Plus infection have yet been registered, Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said.