The Delta variant of the coronavirus, which was responsible for the deadly waves of COVID-19 in India and the UK, is the most contagious form of the virus known. Now fresh evidence has suggested that the mutant can infect fully vaccinated people as well.

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According to a report by Reuters that quotes some global virologists and experts, evidence is mounting that the Delta variant is capable of infecting people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at a faster and greater rate than the previous version.

Singapore, where the Delta variant is probably most prevalent, has reported three quarters of its coronavirus cases occurred among vaccinated individuals, though none were severely ill.

The experts also added that there are significant chances that these carriers may easily spread the virus to other people. 

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“The biggest risk to the world at the moment is simply Delta. It is the fittest and fastest variant yet,” microbiologist Sharon Peacock, who runs Britain’s efforts to sequence the genomes of coronavirus variants told Reuters.

Similarly, Israel said that 60% of current hospitalised COVID cases are in vaccinated people. Most of them are age 60 or older and often have underlying health problems.

In fact, the United States, which has vaccinated a significant portion of its population, is also experiencing more COVID-19 cases and deaths than any other country. According to reports, 83% of new COVID cases are triggered by the Delta variant.

Also Read: Is America prepared enough to handle the Delta variant of COVID?

The experts also added that until there is more data on transmission and prevention, the best shot, apart from mass vaccination, is to safeguard ourselves is by wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and following other COVID-appropriate protocols. 

This comes as the UK that witnessed its most deadly wave of coronavirus, which was reportedly lead by the Delta variant of the virus, lifted all COVID restrictions in the country in a run to start “living with the virus.”

Public Health England said on Friday that out of a total of 3,692 people hospitalized in Britain with the Delta variant, 58.3% were unvaccinated and 22.8% were fully vaccinated.

Meanwhile, experts also noted that the prime concern with Delta Variant is not just that it is more dangerous but that it spreads at a much faster rate, leading to overwhelming of hospitals and health infrastructure.

The Delta variant, which was first detected in India, seems to target the lungs, damaging the organ and causing oxygen levels to drop drastically. This is why oxygen cylinders were in huge demand across the world during these waves.

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This variant has now mutated itself into another called the Delta Plus variant. Scientists across the world, however, are still divided on whether or not it is more contagious and dangerous. It is said to be a concerning trend in COVID-19 developement.

Several studies suggest that the Delta variant and its mutated forms are resistant to COVID-19 vaccines that are humans’ only hope against this virus.