New Variant of Covid-19, EG.5, Raises Concerns of Increased Infections
A new strain of Covid-19, known as EG.5 or “Eris,” has been identified as a variant of interest by the World Health Organization (WHO). While the public health risk has been deemed low, experts believe that EG.5 may drive a larger wave of infections worldwide.
EG.5 is related to an Omicron subvariant called XBB.1.9.2 and has been found to be increasing in prevalence globally, affecting countries such as the UK, China, and the US. However, the WHO has stated that the variant does not pose a significant threat.
According to the WHO, based on available evidence, the global public health risk posed by EG.5 is evaluated as low and comparable to other circulating variants of interest. Despite its increased prevalence, growth advantage, and ability to evade the immune system, there have been no reported changes in disease severity associated with EG.5.
Experts, including Christina Pagel, a professor of operational research at University College London, suggest that while EG.5 may cause a wave of more cases and related issues such as hospitalizations and Long Covid, there is currently no reason to believe it will be worse than previous waves this year. However, Pagel notes that waning immunity from vaccinations or previous infections may result in a longer and potentially larger wave of EG.5 infections.
Virologist Prof Stephen Griffin from the University of Leeds warns that the infectiousness and immune evasion capabilities of EG.5 could lead to a rapid increase in cases when schools resume and people return to work and university after the summer break.
Infectious diseases expert Prof John Edmunds from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine highlights that the emergence of successive waves of Omicron subvariants has been the pattern over the past 18 months.
To better understand the antibody escape and severity of EG.5, the WHO has recommended member states prioritize actions such as monitoring changes in indicators of severity.
Last week, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported that EG.5, specifically its subvariant EG5.1, accounts for an estimated 15% of sequenced Covid-19 cases in England.
Dr. Meera Chand, the deputy director of UKHSA, reassures the public that the emergence of new variants is not unexpected. Vaccination remains the best defense against future Covid-19 waves, and she urges people to get all the doses they are eligible for as soon as possible.
As the situation continues to evolve, it is crucial for authorities and individuals to stay informed, follow recommended guidelines, and prioritize vaccination to mitigate the potential impact of EG.5 and future variants of concern.