Categories: Health

Delta variant of coronavirus as contagious as chickenpox, spreads faster than flu

<p>
<strong>The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has concluded that the Delta variant of coronavirus which has now emerged as the dominant strain worldwide is as contagious as chickenpox and far more contagious than the common cold or flu.</strong></p>
<p>
The findings in the internal document were first reported in the Washington Post newspaper and the report has been confirmed by the CDC. The document, titled: "Improving communications around vaccine breakthrough and vaccine effectiveness", said the variant required a new approach to help the public understand the danger – including making clear that unvaccinated people were more than 10 times more likely than those who are vaccinated to become seriously ill or die.</p>
<p>
It recommends mandatory vaccination for frontline health workers and a return to the universal wearing of masks.</p>
<p>
<strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.indianarrative.com/health-news/two-vaccine-shots-are-a-must-to-keep-virulent-delta-variant-at-bay-says-aiims-chief-98040.html">Two vaccine shots are a must to keep virulent Delta variant at bay, says AIIMs chief</a></strong></p>
<p>
"Acknowledge the war has changed," it said. "Improve communications around individual risk among vaccinated."</p>
<p>
The document states that Covid-19 can be passed on even by vaccinated people, and may cause more serious disease than earlier coronavirus strains.</p>
<p>
"High viral loads suggest an increased risk of transmission and raised concern that, unlike with other variants, vaccinated people infected with Delta can transmit the virus," CDC chief Rochelle Walensky said in a statement.</p>
<p>
On Friday the CDC released data from a study of an outbreak in Massachusetts in which it said three quarters of those infected had been fully vaccinated. That study was an important factor in leading to a CDC decision this week to again recommend that vaccinated people wear masks in some situations, Walensky said.</p>
<p>
The CDC has said that as of July 26, 6,587 people have contracted COVID-19 even after being fully vaccinated and were hospitalized or have died.</p>

IN Bureau

Recent Posts

India-UK FTA will propel bilateral trade, strengthen supply chains: Jaishankar during meeting with UK Foreign Secretary

Noting that the recent conclusion of the India-UK FTA and the Double Contribution Convention is…

1 day ago

“Strengthening early warning systems, coordination is crucial”, says PM Modi addressing ICDRI

Highlighting the significance of strengthening early warning systems to mitigate risks from disasters, Prime Minister…

1 day ago

Centre raises financial threshold for procurement of scientific equipment, consumables

The Central government has raised financial limits under the General Financial Rules (GFRs) for procurement…

1 day ago

Would be my pleasure to welcome PM Modi for G7: Former Canada MP Chandra Arya calls India “indispensable partner”

Former Member of Parliament of Canada, Chandra Arya, has said it would be his pleasure…

1 day ago

UK Foreign Secretary Lammy to meet PM Modi; to discuss bilateral economic and migration partnership

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy will meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his second…

1 day ago

“We can control any situation”: Gujarat Health Minister calls Omicron ‘not serious’, says all arrangements in place

Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel on Saturday noted that the state is fully prepared for…

2 days ago