'Super Infectious' Delta variant reason behind second wave
ANI
04 Jun 2021, 20:18 GMT+10
By Shalini BhardwajNew Delhi [India], June 4 (ANI): A study has revealed that the Delta variant, which was first detected in India, is "more infectious" and is also the reason behind the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Delta variant or the B.1.617.2 strain is "more infectious" than the Alpha variant which was first detected in Kent, UK, stated the study carried out by scientists of Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Consortia (INSACOG) and National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
The study further said, "It has been found that Delta variant is in fact, 50 per cent more contagious than the Alpha strain."INSACOG, which is the consortium of labs undertaking genome sequencing in India, has recommended stringent measures to be taken by the Union Health Ministry and NCDC that are to be communicated to all the states and union territories and not just the high burden states."Frequent written communications by Union Health Ministry and NCDC to all States/UTs (Not just to the high burden states) stressing the need for more stringent measures, have been sent at regular intervals," the study said.