U.S. Officials Keep Close Watch on 'Delta Plus' COVID Mutation as It Spreads in U.K.

  • Formally known as AY.4.2, the “delta plus” subvariant includes two new mutations to the spike protein, A222V and Y145H, which allow the virus to enter the body.
  • The AY.4.2 subvariant has been detected in at least five cases in the U.S.: in Washington, D.C., California, North Carolina, Washington state and Massachusetts.
  • Francois Balloux, director of the Genetics Institute at University College London, said it could be 10%-15% more contagious than delta.

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