Infectious Disease Expert: Delta COVID-19 Variant Capable Of Becoming Superspreader Variant
An Atlanta-based infectious disease expert says he has concerns about the Delta coronavirus variant because many segments of the population are not vaccinated, and the country has not reached herd immunity.
“This variant is sort of 40-60% more contagious than the previous variant, the Alpha variant, which itself was 50% more transmissible than the original variant,” said Dr. Carlos del Rio, a distinguished professor of medicine, epidemiology and global health and the executive associate dean of Emory University School of Medicine at Grady Health System.
He was a guest on Thursday’s edition of “Closer Look.”
He told show host Rose Scott that the Delta variant is capable of becoming a superspreader variant, but people who are fully vaccinated should be OK. However, people who are not vaccinated or have preexisting health conditions should take precautions.
During the conversation, the veteran doctor further explained that globally many populations are still not vaccinated and that some COVID-19 vaccines are not as effective as others.
“The pandemic is still raging globally,” del Rio said.
To listen to the full conversation, click the audio player above.
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