The Covid-19 situation in Maharashtra, India, has taken a concerning turn with the detection of the new variant, Eris (EG.5.1), which is on the rise in the United Kingdom as well. This variant has contributed to an increase in Covid-19 cases within the state, according to a report by The Times Of India.
Initially identified as the Omicron variant, Eris has gained attention due to its rapid spread. The state health department’s data indicates a rise in Covid-19 cases from 70 to 115 over the course of around one week, spanning from the end of July to August 6.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) classifies EG.5.1 as a descendant of the Omicron variant and has given it the nickname “Eris.” This variant was first classified in the UK on July 31. UKHSA’s data suggests that Eris now accounts for one in seven new Covid-19 cases in the UK.
The prevalence of the new covid Eris variant in the UK has been rising steadily. Starting from approximately 11.8% of UK sequences in the week beginning July 10, the latest data shows a notable increase to 14.6% of all cases, indicating its growing influence.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has expressed concerns about the rise in Eris variant cases. However, it has emphasized that this new variant is not associated with increased severity compared to previous variants.
The symptoms commonly associated with the Omicron variant include a runny nose, headache, fatigue (ranging from mild to severe), sneezing, and sore throat. In light of the variant’s spread, health authorities advise individuals to ensure they are vaccinated against Covid-19. Additionally, practicing caution by avoiding crowded areas and wearing masks in poorly ventilated places where physical distancing is not feasible is recommended to mitigate the transmission of the virus.