DELTA

VARIANT
(B.1.617.2)
What do we need to know
about it?
 Since the beginning of the COVID-19
pandemic, the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus that
causes COVID-19 has mutated (changed),
resulting in different variants of the virus. One
of these is called the delta variant.

What is the
considered a “variant of
DELTA concern” by the CDC.
variant?
It has mutations on the spike
protein that make it easier for it
to infect human cells.
 The Delta variant was first identified
in India in December 2020 and led
to major outbreaks in the country.
Where was
It then spread rapidly and is now
the DELTA reported in 104 countries,
variant first according to a CDC tracker.
identified?
As of July 2021, DELTA is regarded
as the most contagious form of
the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus so far.
Why is DELTA different?

• The DELTA variant is more

contagious than previous strains—
it may cause more than 2X as
many infections.
• Delta was spreading 50% faster
than Alpha, which was 50% more
contagious than the original
strain of SARS-CoV-2
Why is DELTA different?

• Delta might cause more severe

illness than other variants in
unvaccinated people.
• Fully vaccinated people are
not much likely than
unvaccinated people to get very
sick from Delta, but some can
still be infected and can
spread Delta.
Why is DELTA different?

• The DELTA variant is more contagious than previous strains—it may

cause more than 2X as many infections.