The new Delta Plus ‘offshoot’ has yet to become a Variant of Concern or Variant of Interest.
Experts in the United Kingdom are monitoring a new COVID-19 strain. It is the AY.4.2 variant, which is a new “offshoot” of the infamous Delta variant.
This has led many individuals to refer to it as a new “Delta Plus,” considering that it is a sub-lineage of the B.1.167.2 strain. Reports noted, however, that it has yet to have an official Pango lineage designation because it is very new.
Even so, BBC recently reported that officials are “keeping a close watch” on the new Delta “descendant” these past few days. This comes after they have seen a growing number of infections across the country.
Increasing cases in the U.K.
The Delta strain of SARS-CoV-2 remains the most dominant variant in the United Kingdom. However, the latest data reportedly shows that six percent of the genetically sequenced cases are of the AY.4.2 variant.
Experts first identified it earlier in July. This came months after the U.K. classified the original Delta strain as a Variant of Concern, following its prevalence over the Alpha variant across the country.
The new offshoot has yet to receive a “VOC” or “VOI” classification. But, reports said that tests are “underway” to understand the threat it may pose. Moreover, experts reportedly believe that it is “unlikely to take off” in a significant way or even escape COVID-19 vaccines.
About the AY.4.2 variant
The publication said that viruses mutate all the time. Accordingly, it is not surprising that new versions emerge, like the AY.4.2 variant.
The Delta offshoot is said to include “some new mutations” that affect the spike protein. This is what the virus utilises to penetrate the cells.
As noted, these mutations are A222V and Y145H. They are also present in other coronavirus lineages that emerged amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
There is no indication, though, that it is more infectious or transmissible than other variants. Nevertheless, this is one of the things that experts are reportedly studying and analysing.
Officials also recorded small numbers of the new “Delta Plus” cases outside the United Kingdom. These countries include the United States, Denmark, and Israel.
COVID-19 situation across the country
Amid the emergence of the new Delta offshoot, CNBC reported that the United Kingdom now has one of the highest rates of COVID-19 transmission all over the globe. The country is recording nearly 50,000 new cases each day.
But, this is not because of the AY.4.2 variant. As explained, there are various reasons behind the increasing rate. These reportedly include the “half-hearted” adoption to face masks, hesitation toward vaccinating the younger teens, and the reopening of schools in September.
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