Delta is the name for a particularly contagious variant of SARS-CoV-2 that has been driving up Covid-19 cases worldwide and is now present in over 100 countries. Technically known as B.1.617.2, Delta has become the dominant variant globally, spreading fast in countries with both low and high vaccination coverage. It poses the greatest threat where vaccination rates are low.

The WHO declared Delta a variant of concern (VOC) in May 2021 when new infections in India reached more than 400,000 daily. A variant of concern is when a variant has increased transmissibility, causes more severe disease or if it makes treatments, vaccines or diagnostic tools (tests) less effective.

Internews Pandemic Mentor Adele Baleta has compiled this resource that answers key questions about Delta.