The most transmissible COVID-19 strain is now spreading around the world.

According to reports, the Lambda strain, which originated from Peru and is more contagious than the Delta strain, has been detected in over 30 countries in the last four weeks.

Since April, the mutation is responsible for at least 81 percent of the infections in the South American nation, which has the highest mortality rate in the world. In neighbouring Chile, the Lambda mutation is blamed for more than a third of the country's infections.

Scientists fear that the highly contagious Lamba strain, or C.37, may be resistant to vaccines currently being administered to combat the outbreak.

Last month, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Lambda a Variant of Interest, after noting that the strain carried a number of mutations in its spike protein, that potentially increased transmissibility or possible increased resistance to neutralizing antibodies.

In the UK, the strain has been designated a "Variant Under Investigation" after at least eight more cases were recorded in recent days - mainly from travellers.

The coronavirus continues to ravage the world, with over 184 million cases, and more than four million deaths, recorded, as of today.

The US continues to lead the list of worst hit countries, with more than 34 million cases and 621,000 plus deaths, while India comes at a close second with over 30 million cases, and more than 403,000 deaths.


Source: New York Post
Photo source: thedailystar.net