World Medical Association President Explains Transmissibility of Indian Coronavirus Strain

Indian women with Covid-19.

The Indian coronavirus strain, also known as the Delta variant, causes a larger viral load in the throat than usual, so people infected with the virus can pass it on to others without even knowing they are sick.

“The danger of this strain of the virus is that infected people develop very high levels of the virus in their throats very quickly and can infect others even before they realize they are infected,” said the head of the association, which includes more than 100 countries, including Russia.

At the same time, he stressed that the Indian strain is likely to spread rapidly. Until enough people are vaccinated to create herd immunity, the risk of infection in everyday life needs to be minimized.

“For this reason, it is mandatory for everyone to wear an FFP2 respirator when travelling on public transport, in shops and other enclosed areas,” said Mr Montgomery.

At the same time, the head of the association called on the authorities to assess the epidemic situation and, in case of an increase in the incidence of diseases caused by the Delta strain, to reconsider the easing of the restrictions that have been applied.