Experts are already on alert for the Delta variant of the coronavirus that has already arrived, among other countries, in Spain. According to the United Kingdom, this variant, which is none other than what has become known as the Indian strain , is already predominant in the country and important cases have already been detected in Spain.
In this sense, scientists and doctors warn that this new variant could be predominant in our country in a few weeks. Therefore, they call on the authorities and citizens to be cautious in these coming weeks after the relaxation of restrictions and the summer season.
Why does it worry?
This new Delta strain worries experts because of its speed of spread and because it presents 15 new mutations of the main coronavirus with which the pandemic was unleashed.
These new mutations are concentrated in the E484Q and L452R, known as the spicule of the virus, being a double mutant that had never been seen in the rest of the coronavirus strains.
The presence of this new variant is of concern because, possibly, it is more contagious and more violent when presenting symptoms that it can generate in patients. In addition, members of the WHO have already assured that vaccines could be less effective against this strain, so you have to be alert and not lower your guard at any time.
“The efficacy of currently approved vaccines for COVID-19 against Delta variant B.1.617.2 is unknown,” stated a study recently published in The Lancet. For this reason, experts assure that preliminary studies are already being carried out in case in the coming months, a booster dose of vaccines such as Pfizer is necessary.
More effects detected
As for the effects, experts say that other effects caused by this Delta strain of the coronavirus have been detected. To those that were already known as fever, dry cough or loss of taste and smell, now there are effects such as diarrhea, gangrene and deafness.
“Last year, we thought we had learned about our enemy, but it has changed. This virus has become very, very unpredictable », explained the expert virologist Abdul Ghafur who assured that there are still no conclusive studies that link these new symptoms with the Delta variable one hundred percent.
For example, in recent days, the Deputy Minister of Public Health of the Community of Madrid, Antonio Zapatero, warned that there has been an increase in infections with this strain in the community, so they must be vigilant in the coming weeks.
