The World Health Organization (WHO) is alarmed. The delta variant reproduces faster and is more contagious than the conventional coronavirus. Two studies from China and Canada would prove that.
In China, people who were in quarantine after contact with a Delta variant infected person were examined. The PCR test was positive for them after an average of four days instead of the previous six days.
In addition, the viral load in the first positive test was 1200 times higher than in the original virus variants. “This suggests that this worrying variant may multiply faster and be more contagious in the early stages of the infection,” said the WHO.
Risk of death 137 percent higher
According to the Canadian study, the health risks of Covid 19 disease with the Delta variant are significantly higher than with early Corona types. The risk of hospitalization is increased by about 120 percent and the risk of needing intensive care is increased by about 287 percent. The risk of death was about 137 percent higher.
The WHO gives four reasons for the renewed increase in infections: the new highly contagious virus variants, the relaxation of corona protective measures, more social contacts and the high number of people who have not yet been vaccinated because vaccines are unevenly distributed between rich and poor countries are.
BAG also warns
The FOPH also warns against Delta: “This virus variant has been a cause for concern since the beginning of May 2021, as an increased risk of infection, an increased risk of re-infection and a reduced effectiveness of a Covid-19 vaccination are suspected.
However, certain vaccinations, such as those from Pfizer / Biontech and Astrazeneca, also work against Delta. The Delta variant has now been detected in 124 countries, 13 more than a week ago. (gf)
Published: 07/22/2021, 27 minutes ago
Last updated: July 22, 2021, 13 minutes ago