New Coronavirus Mutation Cases Detected in Russia

Unique cases of the 'Delta' variant AY.4.2 of the coronavirus have been identified in Russia. According to RIA Novosti, this information was shared by Kamil Khafizov, head of the scientific group developing new diagnostic methods for human diseases at the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing (Rospotrebnadzor).

Earlier, scientists from Great Britain announced the spread of the 'Delta' AY.4 variant, which may be 10-15% more contagious than the previously known variant. If this data is confirmed, it could become the most infectious mutation of the coronavirus.

Khafizov noted that the AY.4.2 variant is one of the many branches of 'Delta'. It is currently difficult to determine how much more infectious the new variant is, as scientists are still investigating the matter.

The likelihood of wide dissemination of this variant in Russia and worldwide is quite high. It is becoming increasingly widespread, but experts do not believe it is the reason for high infection rates in various countries,” Khafizov emphasized.