ALTHOUGH the World Health Organization (WHO) has labeled Eris as a variant of interest, it emphasized that the strain does not pose a significant threat at the global level.
According to the available evidence, the public health risk associated with Eris is currently deemed low.
Despite its increased prevalence and characteristics such as growth advantage and potential immune escape properties, there have been no reported changes in disease severity linked to this variant.
Eris, also referred to as EG.5, shares a lineage with an Omicron subvariant known as XBB.1.9.2.
The genetic makeup of EG.5 differs slightly from previous subvariants, which might contribute to its heightened ability to infect individuals and evade immunity.
This could potentially explain its higher transmissibility compared to other variants.
Experts have commented on the evolving situation. Christina Pagel, a professor of operational research at University College London, highlighted that while Eris is becoming more prevalent and appears to possess enhanced immune evasion capabilities, there is no substantial evidence indicating that it leads to more severe illness.
The focus, therefore, remains on monitoring the situation closely.
Recent data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) suggested that Eris, particularly its subvariant EG5.1, accounts for approximately 15% of sequenced COVID-19 cases in England.
Dr. Meera Chand, Deputy Director of UKHSA, underscored the importance of vaccination as the primary defense against potential future waves of COVID-19.
Vaccination remains crucial, and individuals are encouraged to receive all eligible doses promptly.
While symptoms of Eris infection can vary among individuals, most affected individuals experience mild manifestations.
These commonly include a dry cough, headaches, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, and fatigue. In some cases, difficulty in breathing may also occur.
Notably, the milder symptomatology could be attributed to a higher level of immunity within the population, which might mitigate the severity of infections.
