The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies EG.5, known as Eris, as a “variant of interest,” indicating that it should be watched more closely than other variants for the presence of potential that could make it more contagious or more severe mutation. Still, the World Health Organization insists that it does not currently appear to pose a greater threat to public health than the other variants, and there is “no evidence of a direct association with increased disease severity”.
According to the World Health Organization, as of August 8, EG.5 has been found in more than 50 countries. It is the most common covid-19 subvariant and is estimated to account for about 17% of current cases. Symptoms of Eris include sore throat, congestion, sneezing, coughing or headache, which can easily be confused with the common cold.
Pfizer/BioNTech SE, Moderna and Novavax have developed new versions of their updated vaccines to target another Omicron subline, XBB.1.5 (better known as Kraken). Eris is similar, although the newer subvariant carries a mutation in its spike protein, the part of the virus that the vaccine targets.
Experts at the Andalusian School of Public Health said a significant increase in the number of viruses found in wastewater in the United States and the United Kingdom last month “gives clues” as to how the incidence may increase during these weeks. Joan Carlos March.