The new Covid variant Eris or Omicron EG.5.1 that was in UK’s report has found its route to India. This new variation has emerged in Maharashtra and is spreading at an alarming rate. The question of whether the eris covid variant is dangerous or not and its chances of turning into a pandemic is still unlikely. The World Health Organisation (WHO) detected the mutant virus for the first time in February 2023.
Along with Maharashtra, it is also detected in Karnataka and Delhi. As per a recent survey, 1 in 3 households in Karnataka, 1 in 5 in Delhi, and 1 in 6 in Maharashtra have someone with covid-like symptoms. Read the article below to find out about the New Covid variant Eris, eris symptoms and more.
What is the New Covid variant Eris?
Omicron EG.5.1 or as abbreviated as Eris, is a strain of the contagious variation Omicron XBB. It contains extra mutations on the spike proteins S: F456L and S: Q52H. The virus uses these spike proteins to cling to the epithelial cells that lining the human airways.
According to the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Consortium on Genomics (INSACOG), Eris is roughly 20-45 percent more transmissible than XBB. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has also stated that “was first raised (detected) as a signal in monitoring on 3 July 2023 as part of horizon scanning due to increasing reports, particularly in Asia.”
In India, the first case of the New Covid variant Eris, identified in Pune in May 2023. As of now, the new Covid variant Eris Spreading in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Delhi at an alarming rate.
What are the Eris symptoms?
The main symptoms of Eris variant as per WHO are listed below:
- Sore Throat : The new covid variant causes pain or scratchiness in the throat that often worsens when you swallow.
- Sneezing : It is caused by irritation in the nose or throat by the new Covid variant Eris.
- Running Nose : One of the most common eris symptoms is a running nose.
- Blocked Nose : Stuffy Nose or Nasal Congestion is the feeling of fullness in the nose.
- Fever and Headache : The Eris variant increases your body temperature than usual and causes a continuous pain in your head.
- Hoarse Voice: The virus causes your voice to sound too breathy, strained or raspy.
- Muscle Aches: The eris covid variant causes your muscle to become strained, tight and achy.
- Lost sense of smell: Altered sense of smell or taste is also one of the most common eris variant symptoms.
It is advisable to isolate oneself and take doctor’s prescribed medications in case any signs are detected. The condition is still mild and not different from what was seen with earlier Omicron and Covid strains. The current rise in infections could be attributed to waning immunity from previous infections and immunizations. An alarming rate of Eris covid variant cases have been reported elsewhere in the world, in Europe and Asia, with Japan reporting an increase in cases.
Is the Eris covid variant dangerous?
According to WHO officials, there is no evidence that the sub-variant is causing more severe disease, and the risks are no greater than those of other current variants of interest. WHO has also released the risk evaluation for the new Eris Covid variant, as per that the public health risk posed by EG.5 is evaluated as low at the global level.
Some tests indicate it can bypass human immune systems more readily than some circulating versions. For instance in the UK, there has been a little uptick in hospitalizations in recent weeks, particularly among individuals over the age of 85. But experts say the numbers remain lower than past rounds. There has been no growth in the number of persons in intensive care who are critically ill.
Scientists from all over the world will keep an eye on the sub-variant and gauge its effects. Thus, the answer of the most anticipated query of Eris covid variant is dangerous or not is unlikely.
What are the precautions we need to take?
It is advisable to take preventative measures to stop the spread of the new Covis variant Eris. Along with staying up to date with the recent developments regarding Eris variant, one can take the following precautions:
- Washing your hands with soap and water frequently
- Staying home when sick
- Avoiding contact with sick people
- Developing good immunity
- Improving ventilation
- Wearing a mask in crowded, indoor spaces
- Covering your mouth while coughing
