The delta variant, also known as the B.1.617.2, was first identified in India and has now been detected in more than 50 countries. This variant is of particular concern because it appears to be more transmissible than other variants and is associated with a higher risk of hospitalization and death.

Early data suggests that the delta variant is about 50% more delta variant covid 19 symptoms transmissible than the alpha variant (B.1.1.7), which was first identified in the United Kingdom. The delta variant is also associated with an increased risk of hospitalization and death, although the data are still preliminary and more research is needed to confirm these findings.

The increased transmissibility of the delta variant may be due to several factors, including increased viral load and mutations that allow the virus to better attach to and enter human cells. The delta variant has several key mutations, including two in the spike protein (E484Q and L452R) that have been linked to increased transmissibility. Additionally, this variant carries a mutation (N501Y) in the receptor binding domain of the spike protein that has been associated with increased infectivity.