Covid-19 Cases Surge in France as New Variant Emerges
France is once again grappling with a surge in Covid-19 cases as a new variant of the virus, known as Eris, emerges. The number of visits to emergency rooms for suspected Covid-19 cases rose by 31 percent in the week following the Bayonne Festival, one of Europe’s largest festive gatherings, which attracted 1.3 million people from July 26 to July 30, compared to the previous week.
According to Santé publique France, a government body under the authority of the health ministry, 920 patients across all age groups were seen, with the health authority stating that these numbers remain “moderate”. However, French medical emergency service SOS Medécins reported an 84 percent increase in medical consultations for suspected Covid-19 cases, particularly among children under the age of two.
The rise in cases is localized, mainly in the southwest of France and particularly in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, which is known for its popular holiday destinations. The health ministry attributes the surge to the emergence of a new variant, EG.5.1 (nicknamed “Eris”), which is more transmissible than previous strains.
The EG.5.1 variant is currently present in nearly 35 percent of sequenced viruses in France, according to Gisaid, an international Covid-19 database. However, experts caution that this figure is based on positive tests and does not account for all infected individuals.
Since the beginning of the Omicron era, new variants like Eris have been regularly identified in France as being more resistant to antibodies, indicating ongoing mutation of the virus.
Despite the rise in cases, the situation remains under control for now, with hospitals, including intensive care units, not experiencing strain. The World Health Organization has deemed the public health risk posed by EG.5.1 as low at the global level.
However, researchers urge caution and emphasize the need for government preparedness to avoid a potential alarming situation in the coming months. They highlight the risk of flu and bronchiolitis epidemics coinciding with a surge in Covid-19 cases.
Several measures have been suggested to curb the transmission of the virus, including improving indoor air quality and wearing FFP2 masks in enclosed, poorly ventilated public spaces. Vaccination is also emphasized as a key strategy in reducing the risk of serious illness. A booster vaccine campaign, targeting Covid-19 and the flu, is scheduled to begin in mid-October, according to the health ministry.
As France grapples with rising Covid-19 cases and the emergence of new variants, experts stress the importance of remaining vigilant and taking proactive measures to mitigate the impact of the virus on public health.
Note: This article has been translated from the original French source.