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New Covid Strain ‘Eris’ Now Designated as a ‘Variant of Interest’ – What Does That Mean?
Eris, the new variant of Covid-19, is causing a surge in cases worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially classified this sub-lineage of omicron as a “Variant of Interest.” The increase in cases is primarily attributed to this new variant, known as EG.5 or Eris.
Previously, Eris was categorized as a variant under monitoring, but the WHO revised its classification on Thursday. The organization reports a steady rise in Eris cases, with over 7,000 sequences shared from 51 countries as of August 7.
So, what does it mean to be classified as a ‘Variant of Interest’? Since 2020, there have been multiple variants and sub-variants of SARS-CoV-2 that have evolved over time. These variants are categorized based on the severity of their lineage. The classification includes the following categories:
1. Variant of Interest
2. Variant of Concern
3. Variant of High Consequence
A variant is classified as a variant of interest when it exhibits certain genetic markers associated with changes that may increase transmissibility and reduce neutralization by antibodies, according to the US National Institute of Health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) further explains that variants designated as VOI may have a predicted increase in transmissibility or disease severity, reduced neutralization by antibodies, reduced efficacy of treatments or tests, changes to the receptor binding domain (RBD), or specific genetic markers that may affect transmission, diagnostics, therapeutics, or immune escape.
Now, let’s dive into what we know about the new variant, Eris:
1. Eris, also known as EG.5, is a sub-lineage of the Omicron variant.
2. It has a mutation in the spike protein, which is crucial for the virus to enter and infect human cells.
3. Currently, the public health risk of Eris is low, but caution should not be taken lightly.
4. Based on its characteristics, EG.5 has the potential to spread globally and cause a surge in cases.
5. This new variant is capable of evading immunity, leading to its rapid spread.
6. It exhibits an increased growth rate.
Symptoms of Eris may include a runny nose, headache, constant fatigue, sneezing, and sore throat.
To prevent the spread of Eris, it is recommended to:
– Get vaccinated against Covid-19 and consider a booster dose.
– Wear masks in public places.
– Practice social distancing.
– Maintain proper hygiene and frequently wash hands.
– Avoid close contact with sick individuals.
– Ensure proper ventilation in rooms.
While Eris is still under research, experts advise taking necessary precautions instead of panicking. It is important to note that individuals over 65, children, and those with existing comorbidities are more vulnerable to contracting the coronavirus.
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