New Covid variant Eris:- Omicron EG.5.1, often known as “Eris,” is a new SARS-CoV-2 variation that has emerged, raising new concerns around the globe as the US and the UK report an increase in the frequency of new coronavirus infections leading to hospitalisations. The mutant virus was categorised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a “variant under monitoring” in July.
Although the variant has been reported in India, Bengaluru and Pune, a researcher with the SARS-CoV-2 genomics consortium INSACOG verified that no clusters have been discovered thus far. Read the article below to know more about New Covid variant Eris
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What is New Covid variant Eris ?
Omicron EG.5.1, also known as Eris, is a sub-strain of the highly contagious variation Omicron XBB. It possesses extra mutations on the spike proteins S: F456L and S: Q52H, which it employs to cling to the epithelial cells that line the human airways. The INSACOG researcher previously cited asserted that Eris has been discovered to be roughly 20–45% more transmissible than XBB.EG.5.1 was first raised (detected) as a signal in monitoring on 3 July 2023 as part of horizon scanning due to increasing reports internationally, particularly in Asia,
There has been no cause for concern thus far, according to the representative of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), which oversees INSACOG. They have closely monitored the genetic characteristics of the new virus and its clinical symptoms.
New Covid variant Eris Details in Highlights
| Name | New Covid variant Eris |
| Also called as | Omicron EG.5.1 |
| Nickname | Eris |
| Detected in | Maharashtra , Bengaluru and Pune |
First Case of New Covid variant Eris detected in India
The EG.5.1 variant was discovered as early as March 24, 2023, globally. The first and only case of EG.5.1 in India was discovered in Maharashtra on May 29, 2023. The state coordinator for genome sequencing, Dr. Karyakarte, and his group were successful in detecting this Covid variant in Covid-positive RT-PCR samples that were sequenced in their lab at B J Government Medical College. It was discovered and properly reported to the Centre and all relevant Maharashtra authorities.
How contagion-prone is it? What signs does it exhibit? How serious is it?
According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the variant is growing very quickly with a weekly growth advantage of 20.51 per cent, and as of July 20, 2023, it accounted for roughly 14.5% of all COVID-19 cases in the UK. UKHSA and the WHO are closely monitoring Omicron EG.5.1 symptoms and severity to evaluate its potential influence on public health and vaccination efficacy. According to Dr. Karyakarte, there is currently no proof that the Omicron EG.5.1 causes more severe illness, raises the risk of hospitalisation or mortality compared to other variations, and teams are keeping an eye on any rise in hospital admissions.
What are the symptoms ofNew Covid variant Eris?
Omicron has a strain called Eris. The ZOE Health Study lists the following as the top five Omicron symptoms:
- Runny nose
- Headache
- Fatigue (mild or severe)
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
The disease is still a minor disease and not much different from what was observed with previous Omicron and Covid strains. The recent increase in infections may be caused by diminishing protection from prior infections and immunisations. The fact that more Eris cases have been recorded elsewhere in the world, particularly in Europe and Asia, with even Japan reporting an upsurge in cases, is quite concerning.
The variant can have a growth advantage of about 20% over previous strains, which means it can spread quicker than earlier known Omicron strains, even though clinical symptoms associated with Eris may be based on early reports.
People must continue to exercise precautions. If you have any upper respiratory infection symptoms, you should wear a mask. You should isolate yourself, wash your hands frequently, and keep your distance from other people. Make sure the space is well-ventilated if there are more individuals present.
Precautions to be taken to prevent contracting COVID
Dr. Grover lists the following as the top three things to guarantee: a healthy, balanced diet, a hygienic lifestyle, routine immunisation (if necessary or flu injections), and again, according to the Covid suitable behaviour – wearing a mask, avoiding crowded places, and thorough sanitization.
Despite the fact that the strain hasn’t significantly increased the number of cases, Dr. Grover warns that “the public should be vigilant on their part and follow the safety precautions, even though this strain does not seem to be that much contagious.”