Delta Plus Variant Infection Case Reported Domestically... One Case Presumed Domestic Transmission

Authorities Confirm 2 Delta Plus Cases... One Has No Overseas Travel History

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] As the 'Delta variant,' a type of COVID-19 variant virus, rapidly emerged as the dominant variant, cases of 'Delta Plus' variant infections have also been confirmed domestically. The Delta Plus variant, an evolved form of the Delta variant, is known to have a stronger transmissibility than the Delta variant, raising concerns.

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters on the 3rd, two cases of Delta Plus variant infections were recently confirmed. Among the two infected with the Delta Plus variant, one person entered the country from overseas, but the other had no history of overseas travel. Regarding the case of a man in his 40s who may have been infected domestically, tests of contacts such as family members and coworkers have so far revealed no additional confirmed cases except for one cohabiting family member. Although the cohabiting family member who was confirmed positive is also presumed to be infected with the Delta Plus variant, genome analysis results that can confirm the variant have not yet been released.

The Delta Plus variant is a type of COVID-19 variant virus derived from the Delta variant. It combines the 'K417N' mutation trait found in the South African 'Beta variant' and Brazilian 'Gamma variant' with the India-origin Delta variant. It is estimated to have stronger transmissibility than the Delta variant, but due to the small number of cases worldwide, detailed research results have not yet been published. The Delta Plus variant was first reported in Europe in March of this year, and early last month, infection cases were confirmed in more than 10 countries worldwide, including Japan, the United States, and Israel.