ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DELTA PLUS VARIANT

WHAT IS DELTA PLUS?

Delta Plus (B.1.617.2.1/(AY.1) is a new mutant strain of the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2, it has K417N in the spike protein that helps the virus to enter and infect human cells.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Studies suggest that apart from the usual fever and other common Covid-19 symptoms, it may cause stomach pain, nausea, loss of appetite, hearing loss and joint pain.

ARE VACCINES EFFECTIVE AGAINST THIS VARIANT?

According to Medical experts, it is too early to predict the effectiveness of the existing vaccines on the new variant. However, Union Health Ministry Secretary says that both Covishield and Covaxin are effective against this variant.

In India, Delta Plus variant has been detected in Maharashtra, Kerala and Madhya pradesh so far.

In addition to India, Delta Plus has been found in 11 other countries, namely, Britain, Canada, India, Japan, Poland, Portugal, Switzerland, Russia, Nepal, Turkey and the US.