New Covid Variant: Fear of another wave in UK, scientists alert about new 'ERIS' variant

Posted on 7th Aug 2023 by rohit kumar

The ongoing global corona infection has not stopped yet, researchers say that the virus is continuing to mutate, due to which the risk of new variants remains. All countries need to be careful about the risks of corona. Even though fewer cases of infection are being reported these days, the risks of new variants cannot be ruled out.

 

Meanwhile, in recent media reports, there is news of a new variant of Corona coming to the fore in the United Kingdom. According to reports, the Covid variant named Eris is spreading rapidly here.

 

The Eris variant, named EG 5.1 by the researchers, was first identified in July. The World Health Organization (WHO) has advised all countries, including the UK, to remain vigilant and follow appropriate COVID behavior. Researchers say that the risk of severe or infectious variants due to ongoing mutations in the virus remains constant, we need to be very careful in this direction.

 

Experts worried about the new variant

 

According to the UK's Health Protection Agency (UKHSA), the number of COVID-19 cases in the country is increasing. The health agency said this new variant of COVID-19 was identified in 5.4% of 4,396 respiratory samples reported through the Respiratory DataMart system.

 

The UKHSA reported that currently, the rate of hospitalization due to COVID-19 is 1.97 per 100,000 population. One out of every seven infected in the country is being found a victim of the new Eris variant. Experts say that due to this variant, there is a possibility of a new Covid wave in many countries including the UK.

 

'Variant under monitoring'

 

According to media reports, this new variant is also a subtype of Omicron. According to the UKHSA, Eris is believed to be the leading cause of increasing infections internationally, particularly in Asia. WHO has currently classified this variant as a variant under monitoring. Health experts say that since it is a sub-variant of Omicron, it is expected to have a lower risk of developing a serious disease, currently studies are being done to understand the nature of this variant.

 

How different are its symptoms being seen?

 

According to the information shared by Joe Covid, Eris is a variant of Omicron, so its symptoms are also seen to be very similar to the old variants. According to the reports so far, most people have complained of problems like runny nose, headache, fatigue (mild or severe), sneezing, and sore throat. At present, the symptoms of serious disease are not being seen in the patients. However, its infectivity may be significantly higher, which is a matter of concern.

 

What do health experts say?

 

The Covid expert said that it is now more than 18 months since most people got their last vaccine and it has been several months since most people had their last infection, thus, we may see the wave rising rapidly in September. Can

 

However, Professor Azeem Majeed, head of primary care and public health at Imperial College London, says, "I don't think there should be unduly alarmed by the recent increase in Covid-19 cases." There will be ups and downs in the number of cases, but given the nature of the variant, there does not seem to be much to worry about.

 

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