Title: New COVID-19 Variant “Eris” Becomes Dominant Strain in the US, Prompting Concern
Subtitle: Eris variant spreads rapidly and accounts for 17.3% of new COVID-19 cases
Date: [Insert Date]
By: [Author Name]
A new COVID-19 variant, “Eris” (EG.5), has emerged as the dominant strain in the United States, accounting for a significant portion of new cases, according to experts. Eris, a descendant of the XBB parent variant, is estimated to make up 17.3% of COVID-19 cases in the country and is rapidly increasing in prevalence.
Initially, Eris accounted for less than 1% of cases at the end of April. However, the variant has gained momentum and begun out-competing its predecessors, according to John Swartzberg, an infectious disease expert and professor emeritus at the University of California, Berkeley’s School of Public Health.
The naming of the variant derives from the Greek goddess of strife, Eris, following the World Health Organization’s guidance to use Greek alphabet letters as simple labels for COVID-19 variants. Eris is also the name of a dwarf planet in our solar system.
While the surge in Eris cases is concerning, experts say it does not appear to result in more severe illness compared to other variants. The symptoms of Eris are similar to other strains of COVID-19 and include cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, and other flu-like symptoms.
Eris emerged in February as an offshoot of the omicron variant XBB but began gaining prominence in July, with its prevalence increasing by 9.3% in the United States. The World Health Organization recently upgraded Eris from a “variant under monitoring” to a “variant of interest” due to its dramatic surge and potential increased risk to global public health.
Experts are still investigating why Eris is becoming more dominant, but it appears to possess transmissible properties that allow it to outcompete other variants. However, there is currently no evidence to suggest it is more virulent or results in more severe illness.
Although our understanding of Eris is still in its early stages, scientists assure that existing COVID-19 vaccines should offer protection against the variant. Furthermore, pharmaceutical companies including Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax are developing specific booster shots to target XBB subvariants like Eris. These new vaccines are expected to be available in October and are projected to be highly effective.
In the meantime, experts emphasize the importance of staying up-to-date with COVID-19 boosters, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and individuals with compromised immune systems or chronic diseases. Additionally, following preventive measures such as wearing N-95 masks and practicing social distancing in indoor public spaces can help mitigate the spread of the virus.
As the Eris variant becomes the dominant strain in the US, it serves as a reminder that the pandemic is far from over, and vigilance and adherence to safety measures remain crucial in combating the virus.