The delta coronavirus strain first identified in India is highly infectious and global efforts were required for its containment, government scientists said in a report published on Friday.
The delta variant was up to 50-per-cent more infectious than the alpha variant first detected in Britain, researchers at IndianSARS-Cov-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) and National Centre for Disease Control said. "Prior infections ... and partial vaccination are insufficient impediments to its spread, as seen in Delhi," the scientists warned, stressing that "strong public health response will be needed globally for its containment." It noted that the delta variant which had spread to some 54 countries was capable of creating "very fast rising outbreaks with vaccination breakthroughs" or infecting people after vaccination.
The delta variant had driven the deadly second wave across India, accounting for most infections in worst-hit states, broadcaster NDTVreported, citing the report. There were 12,200 "variants of concern" in the country but their presence was minuscule compared to the delta variant that replaced all other variants in the second wave, it said.
There was however no evidence yet that the delta variant caused more deaths as the increase in fatalities could be owing to factors such as the collapse of the healthcare system. Infections in India jumped from 10 million at the beginning of the second wave in February to over 28.5 million, second to the United States.
India logged 132,364 cases on Friday, but experts believe that the second wave is on the wane with a decline from the peak of 400,000daily cases in early May.
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