WHO: Delta variant may become dominant lineage

World Health Organisation has warned that; Delta variant, which is significantly more transmissible strain of COVID-19, is expected to become a dominant lineage if current trends continue. Warming came after WHO reported in 85 countries & continues to be detected at more places worldwide.

Highlights

• WHO warned this in its “COVID-19 Weekly Epidemiological Update” which was released on June 22.
• According to it, variant Alpha has been reported across 170 countries, variant Beta in 119 countries, variant Gamma in 71 countries while variant Delta in 85 countries.

Concerns with Delta Variant

Delta variant has been reported in 85 countries worldwide so far and continues to be reported in new countries. 11 countries reported in past two weeks. Delta variant is significantly more transmissible than Alpha variant. As a result, it is expected to become a dominant lineage.

New covid cases in India

As per WHO, India reported highest numbers of new COVID-19 cases, in between June 14-20, 2021. Cases were 30 per cent lesser than past week. Highest numbers of new deaths were reported in India accounting for 1.2 new deaths per 100,000.  Death rate has also decreased by 31 per cent for the same period. South-East Asia Region reported about 600,000 new cases and 19,000 new deaths highlighting the decreasing trend. Decreasing trends in weekly case and death in region are associated with decreasing cases in India.

Month: Current Affairs - June, 2021