The Delta variant of COVID-19 continues to spread and has now reached 170 countries, including Myanmar, according to an announcement from the World Health Organization (WHO).
Among the COVID-19 variants tracked by WHO, Alpha has spread to 193 countries (including Myanmar), Beta to 141 countries (including Myanmar), and Gamma to 91 countries, while Delta has reached 170 countries, including Myanmar.
There are currently four variants classified as “Variants of Concern,” all of which spread more easily than earlier strains: Alpha, Delta, Beta, and Gamma.
Myanmar’s Ministry of Health has confirmed four COVID-19 variants within the country so far – three Variants of Concern (Alpha, Beta, and Delta) along with Kappa, which is classified as a Variant of Interest.
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According to WHO’s findings, the Alpha and Delta variants of concern show higher transmissibility and greater potential for further spread, and are associated with an increased risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death. WHO has also found that some vaccines show slightly reduced effectiveness against these variants.
Of the four variants WHO has designated as variants of concern worldwide, the UK variant B.1.1.7 was named Alpha, the South African variant B.1.351 was named Beta, and the Brazilian variant P.1 was named Gamma. Among the two lineages of the Indian variant B.1.617, the variant of concern B.1.617.2 was named Delta, while the other lineage, B.1.617.1, was named Kappa.
Source: Eleven Media