The COVID-19 Delta variant is the most infectious registered so far. One person carrying this variant can infect between five and eight people, the National Health Institute (INS) warned after
"We know that it is the most contagious variant, the most transmissible, with the ability to infect between five and eight people. Those infected with Delta have higher potentially infectious units, a mechanism that means higher transmission of the virus,"
INS infectious disease specialist Lely Solari explained.
In statements to Andina news agency, the expert explained that those who present this lineage have respiratory secretions more loaded with virus, which end up infecting more people —especially those who are not vaccinated or do not comply with the protection protocols already known.
Does it produce more catarrh?
Dr. Solari affirmed that its greater infectious capacity is something that is no longer discussed and has been certified in various scientific studies. Yet the other symptoms attributed to it are still under research.
"There are several studies being conducted to define its differentiated clinical characteristics. If it is more lethal or produces more severe clinical disease, there are studies that say yes and others no. This is still controversial," she expressed.
COVID-19
The expert also commented that many people attribute more catarrhal symptoms, coughing, and fever to the
Delta variant. However, this could not be confirmed in all cases.
"Clinically, it is not possible to distinguish one variant from the other. All variants produce very similar symptoms. It is very possible that, in the coming weeks, all infections registered in the country will be (caused by) Delta due to its predominance already confirmed," she explained.
Predominant in Peru
The INS confirmed that Delta has displaced the Lambda and Gamma variants, whose cases have decreased over recent weeks.
At this time, Metropolitan Lima and Callao —especially the latter— have a prevalence of this type or lineage above 70%.
Dr. Solari also warned the population that people infected with the Delta variant continue entering the country.