COVID-19 variants, explained

Here’s what to know about the various coronavirus variants in the world, including the ‘hypertransmitable’ Delta strain which has been linked to a 10% jump in new cases in the U.S. this week.

As COVI-19 spreads through different communities, various mutations have created more contagious versions of the virus. There are 4 notable variants:

Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta. The Delta variant, first discovered in India, is the second most prevalent strain on Earth and is thought to be more contagious. The U.S. CDC says the Delta strain will be the dominant strain in the county by next week and that all vaccines approved for use in the country show signs of being effective against it, urging unvaccinated Americas to get the jab.

The Alpha variant was initially detected in the United Kingdom. Infected have a 65% higher odds of death, according to an Oxford study, and a 42% higher risk of hospitalization according to another study.

The Beta variant is reportedly more dangerous to young people, infecting those with no underlying health conditions, and more frequently causing them to suffer serious illness. South Africa first reported the mutation, which is now fueling a second wave of the virus.

The Gamma variant is mostly seen in South America and is considered a more dangerous and deadly version of the original COVID-19 strain.

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