More and more people are infected with the Delta sub-variant AY.3.
Researchers warn of the faster spread of the coronavirus.
Frankfurt - A sub-variant of the Corona * mutant Delta is spreading in several countries.
Researchers warn of the mutation's further spread.
At the moment, there are only few findings on AY.3, as the variant is called, but initial data indicate an even higher risk of infection compared to the original delta mutant.
There have been cases of infection with AY.3 for a few weeks, particularly in the USA *, Great Britain and Israel.
Christina Pagel, a professor at University College London, reported on the short message service Twitter that the dominance of the original Delta variant in England was declining.
At first glance, this is not a cause for concern, but on closer inspection it can be seen that the decline can almost exclusively be attributed to a rapid increase in AY.3.
AY.3: Coronavirus delta mutation "worrying"
In England, AY.3 is still not widely used, so when you look at the daily Corona case numbers *, the sub-variant is hardly noticeable, says Pagel.
On the opposite side of the Atlantic, however, the picture is different.
"In the United States, it is particularly widespread in the southern states, and cases are increasing in these states," explained the scientist.
According to calculations by Pagel, AY.3 already accounts for almost nine percent of all new infections in the USA.
However, the delta mutation has not yet been well researched.
There is still a lot “we don't know about AY.3”.
Nevertheless, it is important to draw attention.
“These are definitely the first clear signs of a potentially worrying variant in a while,” warned Pagel.
AY.3 mutation of the Delta variant: Karl Lauterbach urges caution
SPD health politician Karl Lauterbach * took up the scientist's findings and urged caution. “There is a risk that the AY.3 variant will develop further. The degree of infection of this Corona variant can theoretically increase to the order of magnitude of measles, ”Lauterbach told the newspapers of the Funke media group. Overall, Delta will not remain the last dangerous option. “There will be more mutations. We won't get it under control anytime soon, ”said the 58-year-old.
Lauterbach described AY.3 as a “split-off of the delta variant, which is spreading even faster than the original delta variant”.
There is a risk that AY.3 could result in further variants.
“Nobody can say with certainty at this point in time.” But there is a high risk.
“We currently have variants that are both more contagious and more resistant to vaccinations.
This may also apply to the AY.3 variant. "
Corona: Delta sub-variant AY.3 already proven in Germany
The variant could have a higher resistance to vaccines. Nevertheless, vaccinations are the best way to reduce the spread. Karl Lauterbach told the Funke media group: “The best protection against the AY.3 variant is to vaccinate the unvaccinated *. The unvaccinated are at risk. Secondly, the high number of unvaccinated people gives the virus the opportunity to spread quickly. ”It is now important to lower the number of new corona infections through a better vaccination campaign among the unvaccinated. The health politician wrote on Twitter that AY.3 was a reminder of "the importance of quick vaccination success".
According to the weekly corona management report from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) on Thursday (August 19, 2021), the Delta sub-variant has been detected a total of 37 times in Germany so far. (tvd)
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