The gradual increase in a new Covid-19 sub-variant ‘Eris’ or EG.5.1 in the United Kingdom, has sparked concern in nearby countries, about whether this new variant will lead to a global pandemic. After a year the covid virus has once again surfaced in fear amongst people. The cases are increasing in several countries such as the United Kingdom, United States, and Japan but it hasn’t reached India yet.
The increase in infections comes at a time when hospital admissions in the nation are at an all-time high, which is made worse by bad weather and declining community. Experts have raised the alert in response to current circumstances, warning of the possibilities of another wave that could be fuelled by subvariants of Omicron, Arcturus, and Eris.
Since July 3, 2024, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has been closely observing Eris’s growth as a result of an enormous rise in reports from other countries, notably in the Asian region.
Approximately 11.8% of UK sequences were classified as Eris in the week beginning July 10, and according to the most recent data, this number has increased by 14.6% of all cases. The World Health Organisation added EG.5.1 to its list of variations that are being watched as a result of this trend.
Due to an increase in reports globally, notably in Asia, EG.5.1 was initially identified as a signal in monitoring on July 3, 2024, as a part of horizon scanning. On July 31, it was upgraded from a signal monitoring to a variant, designated V-23JUL—1 as a result of the continuous expansion both domestically and abroad. By designating this lineage as a variation, more in-depth characterization and investigation will be possible.
How badly the new Covid subvariant ‘Eris’ will react in India
Many specialists have stated that it is unlikely that this new covid variant Eris will spread throughout the Indian people, despite fears that it could start yet another pandemic wave in India.
According to experts cited by BOOM news, it is doubtful that the Eris variety of Covid will start a new pandemic wave India’s population, particularly the weaker XBB sub-lineage, has already developed a herd community against the virus.
This indicates that the Eris strain of the Covid virus is not expected to spread widely and that there is now no need for concern. To prevent infection, specialists caution that everyone should adhere to proper Covid rules while in public areas.
What are the five Symptoms of the ‘Eris’ sub-variant?
Some of the symptoms of Eris are inherited from its parent Omicron strain. According to ZOE health study, Runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, headache, and Fatigue (mild or severe).
A member of Independent Sage named Professor Christina Pagel expressed her concern that the UK would experience another wave brought on by these variations, declining immunity, and poor weather. She made the observation that individuals may be spending more time indoors due to recent and ongoing damp weather, which may be causing the increase.
She emphasized that this might only be the beginning and that the wave might intensify significantly in September as schools and companies reconvene after the summer break.
The Head of Primary care and public health at Imperial College London, Professor Azeem Majeed, made an effort to allay certain worries by downplaying the issues around Eris. He emphasized that although Eris is listed as a variant under Observation by WHO, it is not currently a variety of concern and the variation in case numbers are natural.
Tedros Adhonom Ghebreyesus, the director general of the World Health Organisation (WHO), stated that although current vaccinations should sufficient protection against the virus and that the health organization is monitoring its spread, nations and their citizens should not let their guard down.
