During this semester in Cuba, the original Wuhan strain has been detected, but in only one case, eleven variants and five mutational patterns, which are also variants of SARS-CoV-2, informed the head of the IPK Research, Diagnosis and Reference Center, Dr. Maria Guadalupe Guzman, at the Round Table.

She explained that these variants include the four variants of concern (Alpha, reported in the United Kingdom; Beta, in South Africa; Gamma, in Japan; and Delta, in India), as well as two variants of health interest: Epsilon (detected in California) and P2 (Brazil).

The expert said that, globally in the semester, the most prevalent variant in the country is Beta, followed by D614G, and the one reported in California.

However, this does not behave in the same way in all provinces or in all months, she clarified, and said that Delta is prevailing over Beta.

Delta is prevailing in Cuba

The Head of the IPK Research, Diagnosis and Reference Center, Dr. María Guadalupe Guzmán, pointed out that among the samples processed between July 1 and 7, from Holguín, Villa Clara and Matanzas, 64 percent are of the Delta variant, which is prevailing, at least in those territories.

He added that in all provinces in this semester there are several variants circulating: Delta has been diagnosed, so far, in a sample in Artemisa (from a traveler); in Havana, Villa Clara, Holguin, Ciego de Avila and Matanzas, which is where it has been detected the most.

The expert highlighted that in Havana, although with very few cases, the Delta variant is already present.

She added that during the six-month period in the Cuban capital, Matanzas and Camagüey, Beta has predominated in serious and critical patients, but in the Yumurina province Delta is detected more in June.

Compliance with the measures

 The head of the IPK Research, Diagnosis and Reference Center, Dr. María Guadalupe Guzmán, pointed out that in the provinces where transmission has increased, the gradual introduction and dissemination of the Beta variant and its association with serious, critical and deceased cases has been observed during the last six months.

She said that the introduction of the Delta variant, internationally recognized as the most transmissible, further complicates the situation in the country.

The expert said that all international organizations believe that vaccines will solve the problem, but high vaccination coverage is needed, and hygienic-epidemiological measures must also be taken, which we must all comply with.

We must ensure that we get vaccinated ourselves, that our families and friends get vaccinated, but also ensure proper behavior, he emphasized.

Source: Radio Reloj