Reason to worry?
In recent days, five more cases of the new Delta variant of the corona virus in Israel have been discovered.
These are more "old" cases than those found in the 11-year-old boy who returned from Moldova, and they were discovered in a flooring inspection conducted for all the verified people who have so far been classified as infected with the known Delta strain.
Photo: Adam Geffen
The AY4.2 variant has so far been classified worldwide as a Delta variant, and has only recently been classified as a separate variant.
Following its discovery in an 11-year-old overseas circular, the Ministry of Health's testing flooring laboratory examined all the flooring classified so far as the Delta variety a few months back.
Corona Department at Shaare Zedek // Photo: Oren Ben Hakon,
Although not yet defined as a dangerous or monitored strain, variant AY.2.4 is now responsible for six per cent of new infections in the UK, a steep increase from previous weeks.
Everything about the new Delta strain - questions and answers
Prof. Hagai Levin responded to the discovery of the new variant in Israel and said: "We do not yet know whether this variant is more durable or more violent. We need to follow closely and invest in the epidemiological and molecular monitoring system. This is our intelligence for early detection of new variants. Lessons and strengthen the infrastructure for the next wave, variant or epidemic. A permanent epidemiological unit is required at Ben Gurion Airport.
A small investment - a great benefit. "
The British Broadcasting Authority has reported that the country's health services are conducting tests these days, in order to test whether the virus is more resistant to vaccines and natural antibodies to the corona virus and at what level.
The new sub-variant has been dubbed "Delta Plus", as experts believe it evolved from the variant that originated in India.
Despite the steep rise in sub-variant infection, experts believe there could be a major outbreak of Delta Plus if it is found to be particularly resistant to corona virus vaccines.
The sub-virus was first detected in July, and has since spread slowly in several major areas of infection.
The Ministry of Health stated: "We will continue to monitor all types of variants and their development on an ongoing basis, and will update the public with information."
