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Updated 7 July 2021
Fueled by the delta variant, the coronavirus is once again wreaking havoc across Europe. The latest mutation first identified in India has made its presence known in Portugal and the UK as they grapple with the significantly more transmissible variant.
Other European countries scramble to protect themselves but the delta variant has already increased the infection rates and general apprehension in European countries. The WHO warns that the delta strain will become the dominant variant globally in the coming months while the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control estimates that the delta variant will represent 90 percent of new infections in the EU by the end of August.
Here is a breakdown of the latest delta variant data in European countries.
Table of Contents
About the Delta variant – B.1.617.2
The Delta variant was first detected in India around late 2020. The variant, also known as B.1.617.2, has been described as a ‘double mutant’. This term is used to refer to two main mutations E484Q and L452R, in spike proteins.
The spike protein is the part of the virus that it uses to penetrate human cells. Double mutation in key areas of the virus’s spike protein might increase risks and allow the virus to escape the immune system.
The variant, which was earlier classifies as a “variant of interest” has now been announced to be a “variant of concern” by the WHO. A mutation is elevated from a “variant of interest” to a “variant of concern” (VOC) when it shows evidence of fulfilling at least one of several criteria, including easy transmission, more severe illness, reduced neutralization by antibodies or reduced effectiveness of treatment and vaccines.
Delta plus variant
The Delta Plus variant was formed due to a mutation in the Delta or B.1.617.2 variant. The Delta Plus variant (B.1.617.2.1 or AY.1) is characterized by the K417N mutation in spike protein. The Delta plus variant spreads more easily, binds more easily to lung cells and is potentially resistant to monoclonal antibody therapy, which is a potent intravenous infusion of antibodies to neutralize the virus.
The delta strain in Europe
In regards to the delta variant, Europe is seemingly divided into two groups; one where there is already a widespread struggle against the delta variant, such as the UK and Portugal, and one where the percentage of delta cases in new infections are still relatively low.
A statement made by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) claimed that due to its high transmissibility, the Delta variant will represent 90% of the COVID-19 virus variants in the European Union in as early as August.
The UK: 97.5 percent of new cases
According to the data platform GISAID, the share of delta variant infections for the previous four weeks in the UK is a staggering 97.5 percent. This means the delta variant has successfully ‘outcompete’ the alpha variant (also known as the “British variant”) as the dominant strain in the UK.
Despite an impressive vaccination rate – 79,078,081 doses of COVID vaccines have been administered so far, enough to have vaccinated about 59.2 percent of the country’s population – the highly contagious variant appears to be spreading at an accelerated pace. For more details on the UK’s delta strain situation, please refer to our UK Delta Variant article.
Other European countries
The following are the share of delta variant cases in European countries for the previous four weeks. All data courtesy of GISAID.
- Germany: 808 new delta cases, accounts for 30 percent of the total new cases
- Portugal: 981 new delta cases, accounts for 75.3 percent of the total new cases
- Sweden: 644 new delta cases, accounts for 39.3 percent of the total new cases
- Spain: 555 new delta cases, accounts for 43.5 percent of the total new cases
- Denmark: 658 new delta cases, accounts for 34.4percent of the total new cases
- Italy: 428 new delta cases, accounts for 30.4 percent of the total new cases
- Russia: 307 new delta cases, accounts for 90.3 percent of the total new cases
- Belgium: 244 new delta cases, accounts for 24.7 percent of the total new cases
- France: 255 new delta cases, accounts for 38.5 percent of the total new cases
- Netherlands: 214 new delta cases, accounts for 19.4 percent of the total new cases
- Ireland: 125 new delta cases, accounts for 38.6 percent of the total new cases
- Switzerland: 138 new delta cases, accounts for 23.2 percent of the total new cases
- Austria: 198 new delta cases, accounts for 54.7 percent of the total new cases
- Norway: 114 new delta cases, accounts for 25.8 percent of the total new cases
- Finland: 0 new delta cases, accounts for 0 percent of the total new cases
- Poland: 13 new delta cases, accounts for 6.6 percent of the total new cases
- Czech Republic: 19 new delta cases, accounts for 20.2 percent of the total new cases
- Luxembourg: 0 new delta cases, accounts for 0 percent of the total new cases
- Romania: 3 new delta cases, accounts for 21.4 percent of the total new cases
- Latvia: 0 new delta cases, accounts for 0 percent of the total new cases
- Monaco: 17 new delta cases, accounts for 100 percent of the total new cases
- Slovenia: 4 new delta cases, accounts for 2.8 percent of the total new cases
- Lithuania: 0 new delta cases, accounts for 0 percent of the total new cases
- Greece: 0 new delta cases, accounts for 0 percent of the total new cases
- Slovakia: 3 new delta cases, accounts for 4.3 percent of the total new cases
- Turkey: 0 new delta cases, accounts for 0 percent of the total new cases
- Bulgaria: 5 new delta cases, accounts for 83.3 percent of the total new cases
- Georgia: 0 new delta cases, accounts for 0 percent of the total new cases
- Malta: 2 new delta cases, accounts for 25 percent of the total new cases
- Kosovo: 0 new delta cases, accounts for 0 percent of the total new cases
- North Macedonia: 2 new delta cases, accounts for 100 percent of the total new cases
- Bosnia & Herzegovina: 2 new delta cases, accounts for 18.2 percent of the total new cases
What are the common symptoms of the delta variant?
As the variant is a mutation, symptoms for it vary, but doctors have stated that vomiting, stomach issue, headache, and sore throat may present alongside the ordinary symptoms of the original variant.
According to the Zoe app which has been tracking COVID-19 symptoms among patients in Britain, the most common symptoms of the Delta variant infection are as follows:
- a headache
- sore throat
- runny nose
- fever
What are the risks associated with the delta strain?
The delta and delta plus variants are concerning due to their increased transmission rates. But apart from them being extraordinarily contagious, preliminary studies have shown that these variants of concern may even expose patients to the risk of developing other long-term health problems. This is even more true in those who are yet to be vaccinated or only partially vaccinated.
Are vaccines effective against this double-variant?
The EMA has so far approved four vaccines namely, Oxford/AstraZeneca, Pfizer/BioNTech, Johnson & Johnson, and Moderna.
Pfizer/BioNTech: A study by researchers from the University of Texas together with Pfizer and BioNtech shows that antibodies elicited by the vaccine are able to neutralize Delta, albeit at reduced strength. Alon Rappaport, Pfizer’s medical director, has also said that the data from labs and places where the Delta variant has spread vastly demonstrate an efficacy of around 90 percent in preventing the coronavirus disease.
Oxford/AstraZeneca: Real-world data from England’s Public Health Authority shows that two doses of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca are 92 percent effective against hospitalization due to the Delta variant and showed no deaths among those vaccinated. This claim is supported by recent data showing a strong T-cell response induced by AstraZeneca (Covishield) which should correlate with high and durable protection.
Moderna: The Moderna vaccine is reported to have shown promise against the Delta variant based on a lab study. The lab study was conducted on blood serum from eight participants obtained one week after they received the second dose of the mRNA -1273 vaccine. Although a modest decrease in response compared to the original strain was observed, the Moderna vaccine was far more effective in producing antibodies against the Delta variant than it was against the Beta variant.
Johnson & Johnson: Dr. Scott Gottlieb, former Food and Drug Administration commissioner, has reportedly said the Johnson & Johnson vaccine appears to be about 60% effective against the delta variant. However, the available data showing just how effective Johnson & Johnson is at protecting against the Delta variant is too less to be conclusive. A second mRNA booster shot might be needed to prime the immune system against the Delta virus.
In a rush to contain the Delta variant, countries in Europe are stepping up their vaccination efforts.
How to stay safe?
The available data has so far shown that getting yourself fully vaccinated is still the most reliable way of avoiding or transmitting all COVID strains including the Delta strain.
But even after inoculation, you must still adhere to the prevailing health and safety guidelines by always wearing a properly fitting mask covering your nose and mouth when you’re in a public place. Also, the regular use of hand sanitizers and disinfectant wipes is essential. Avoid crowded areas, always observe social distancing, and opt for digital payments whenever possible.
