A new Covid variant called Eris is spreading like wildfire in UK. What we know so far

The United Kingdom (UK) is witnessing a concerning rise in COVID-19 cases linked to a new variant dubbed Eris or EG.5.1, which is a descendant of the highly transmissible Omicron variant.

First classified as a variant on 31 July, Eris now accounts for one in 10 COVID cases and has become the second most prevalent variant in the UK, with Arcturus (another variant) being the most dominant at 39.4% of all infections, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

Rapid spreading

• The rapid spread of the Eris variant has raised alarm among health officials in the UK.

Our fortnightly #COVID19 surveillance report shows that hospital admission rates have increased in most age groups. The highest admission rates continue to be seen in the over 75s.

Read the full report: https://t.co/o3mfNEtHrA pic.twitter.com/18BRsVgJM2

— UK Health Security Agency (@UKHSA) August 3, 2023

• Eris, which has emerged from Omicron, is now responsible for approximately 14.6% of cases in the UK, making it a significant contributor to the surge in COVID-19 infections.
• Its emergence was first flagged on 3 July 2023, after an increasing number of reports both in the UK and internationally, particularly in Asia.
• Consequently, the World Health Organization (WHO) has included EG.5.1 in its list of variants under monitoring.

Symptoms and impact

• Eris, as a strain of Omicron, shares some common symptoms, including runny nose, headache, fatigue (mild or severe), sneezing, and sore throat.

Ten symptoms of new rising Covid strain(EG.5.1) aka “Eris”
1️⃣Sore throat
2️⃣Runny nose
3️⃣Blocked nose
4️⃣Sneezing
5️⃣Dry cough
6️⃣Headache
7️⃣Wet cough
8️⃣Hoarse voice
9️⃣Muscle aches
🔟Altered smellhttps://t.co/h7rTmw1FXM

— George Monks, M.D. (@GeorgeMonks11) August 7, 2023

• The rapid spread of this variant, combined with waning immunity and poor weather conditions, has led experts to believe that the UK is potentially experiencing the beginning of another wave of COVID-19 infections, said Professor Christina Pagel to The Independent.

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Concerns

• Experts have expressed concerns about the potential trajectory of the Eris variant.
• With the majority of people now over 18 months from their last vaccine and several months from their last infection, the wave driven by Eris, Arcturus, and Omicron subvariants could grow significantly faster by September.
• The return of children to school and adults to work, along with increased indoor interactions, might further exacerbate the situation.
• On the other hand, Professor Azeem Majeed from Imperial College London downplayed concerns about Eris, stating that it is currently classified as a variant under monitoring, rather than a variant of concern.
• He urged continued monitoring to assess the impact of Eris on infection rates, hospital admissions, and deaths.

ALSO READ: The Covid surge in India is caused by new conjunctivitis-causing Omicron subvariant called Arcturus

Road ahead

• Health authorities are closely monitoring the situation as the UK faces this surge in COVID-19 cases.
• Dr Mary Ramsay, UKHSA's Head of Immunisation, acknowledges the rise in cases and a slight increase in hospital admission rates, particularly among the elderly.
• However, she reassures that overall admission levels remain low, and there has been no similar increase in ICU admissions.

WHO recommendations

• In light of the new variant and the rising cases, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the importance of staying vigilant.
• While vaccines and prior infections offer protection, he advised high-risk individuals to wear masks in crowded places, get booster shots when recommended, and ensure proper indoor ventilation.

• Speaking to Sky News, he asked the governments not to dismantle the COVID-19 response systems they have built.

ALSO READ: Real-time Covid tests, a gamechanger

Experts believe that the spread of the Eris variant may slow down during the summer holidays when schools are closed, and people might travel abroad. However, they warn that with schools reopening and increased indoor activities in September, the variant could become dominant, leading to a potential increase in COVID-19 cases again.