Will the detection of "Deltakron" mutant strain in many countries affect our country? Experts answer

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According to Thai media reports on January 6, Supajit, the director of the Thai Medical Department, revealed that the “Deltakron” XAY.2 strain has been detected in new cases in Thailand. What is the “Delta Kron” strain? Is it more contagious? Is there a risk of introduction into China? This reporter interviewed Dr. Li Dongzeng, chief physician of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Beijing Youan Hospital.

“Deltakron” has been detected in many countries

The Thai media reported that the XAY.2 strain is a recombinant variant of Delta subtype AY.45 and Omicron subtype BA.4/5. On March 11, 2022, the U.S. Fun Science website reported that French scientists have confirmed the existence of the Delta Kron variant through genetic sequencing.

On March 14, 2022, TechCrunch reported that Delta Kron has been detected in several countries. According to data from the Global Influenza Shared Database (GISAID), cases of deltaquejon have been detected in Denmark and the Netherlands. Helix, a California-based genetic research company, has found two cases in the United States. According to The Guardian, about 30 cases of Deltacron have been confirmed in the United Kingdom.

“Is the Delta Kron strain more transmissible?

“At present, it has not been found that the XAY.2 strain has become a mainstream epidemic strain in a particular country or region, increasing the rate of serious illness, and from this point of view, it does not have a very strong immune escape capability like the XBB strain, which is still considered to have the strongest immune escape capability.” Li Dong, chief physician of the Department of Infection Integration at Beijing Youan Hospital, had told reporters, “Theoretically, the characteristics of the recombinant virus may become more indeterminate once it becomes prevalent, indicating that it has a stronger immune escape capability, and continues to require attention.”

Will the virulent strain affect our country? How to protect well?

Li Dong has told reporters that the number of people traveling abroad, visiting friends and relatives, and entering from abroad has increased after the new strain was switched to “Category B B control”. “Not only this strain, but the introduction of foreign strains into the country may lead to more diverse and complex strains in China, and different strains may continue to reorganize. In addition to good surveillance by professional departments, the public should also take personal protection to reduce the risk of infection through measures such as vaccination and wearing masks.”

During the Spring Festival, many people choose to travel abroad, Li Dong has said that there is no need to worry too much, but also to be prepared: “foreign travel during the Spring Festival may encounter strains different from those in the country, if there is no ‘yang’ over, travel abroad certainly has more uncertainty, the risk of infection will increase. If you get sick in a foreign country, you also have to consider medical treatment and medication, so be prepared with epidemic prevention supplies such as masks and disinfectant wipes, and it’s a good idea to learn about the local medical process.”