The worker infects 20 gorillas with coronavirus at the Atlanta Zoo.

Nearly all 20 gorillas at the Atlanta Zoo in the US are showing symptoms of COVID-19, following a suspected infection by a plant worker, US media reported with sensation yesterday. The zoo's statement said the tests confirmed it had been infected with the 'Delta' variant, and that the suspected distribution worker had been fully vaccinated against the disease. Among the infected is the oldest gorilla, 60 years old.

The spreader wore protective clothing in contact with animals and on the day of reporting it was asymptomatic, writes FoxNews. The statement added: "Humans are known to transmit the virus to animals and similar cases have occurred in other zoos, but so far there is no evidence that animals can transmit the virus to humans." Officials added that there was no risk of transmission from or to gorillas, "from the distance between visitor areas and animal enclosures in the habitat." "The groups are closely monitoring the affected gorillas and hope that they will be fully recovered. "The animals are taking all possible care," the zoo added.