2023-08-10 00:30:00
COVID-19 Strain EG.5 Surpasses XBB as Leading Cause of Cases in the US
August 9, 2023
Foreign news agencies have reported that the new subspecies of the COVID-19 virus, EG.5, has now become the strain causing the most new cases in the United States. EG.5 accounts for approximately 17% of all new cases, surpassing the former champion XBB.1.16 strain, which caused around 16% of cases.
EG.5 is a branch of the XBB family and originated from the Omicron family. Unlike the rapid evolution seen in Omicron, EG.5 has only a few mutations and does not undergo major leaps. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, EG.5 has a single additional mutation at genotype number 465 on spiny proteins compared to its parent strain, XBB.1.9.2. This mutation has been previously observed in other species of the COVID-19 virus.
The gene mutation at position 465 is found in approximately 35% of all reported strains worldwide. Another strain that is gaining prevalence in the northeastern United States, FL.1.5.1, also carries this mutation. This suggests that the mutation at this location provides some evolutionary advantages over its predecessor.
EG.5 has already branched into its own subspecies, known as EG.5.1, with the addition of a second mutation on the spiny protein. It is rapidly spreading not only in the United States but also in Ireland, France, the United Kingdom, Japan, and China.
The World Health Organization has upgraded the status of EG.5 from an under-observed strain to a strain of virus that requires closer monitoring and further study. This recognition highlights the importance of understanding the characteristics and potential risks associated with EG.5.
During this period, the number of patients requiring emergency room visits and hospitalization due to COVID-19 has increased. However, there is currently no indication that EG.5 is a contributing factor to this surge.
EG.5 has become the most common strain of COVID-19 in the United States. Keeping a close eye on its spread and conducting further research will be crucial in effectively managing and combating the virus.]
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