Covid-19 Sub-variant Eris Spreading Fast in UK is making headlines
Health experts issue warning as Eris variant is spreading fast in the country and is recorded to be the one in seven covid cases.
Eris Variant
The United Kingdom is currently facing a rapid spread of a new COVID-19 variant, codenamed ‘Eris’. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), one in seven COVID-19 cases in the country is now attributed to the Eris variant. Further, the variant, also known as EG.5.1, was first flagged in the UK last month and is now spreading quickly in the country.
The latest data from the UKHSA suggests that Eris now accounts for 14.6% of cases, making it the second most prevalent variant in the UK. Eris was classified as a variant on July 31 after its prevalence was recorded in the country due to increasing cases internationally, particularly in Asia.
Health experts have issued a warning about the new variant and are closely monitoring its spread. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also started tracking the EG.5.1 variant and has urged countries to not let down their guard.
It is important for individuals to continue following COVID-19 safety guidelines such as wearing masks, washing hands, and maintaining social distance to help slow the spread of the virus. Vaccination also remains a crucial tool in the fight against COVID-19.
Rise in number of Cases
Recently, the data indicates there were 5.4 per cent of 4,396 respiratory specimens reported through the UKHSA’s Respiratory DataMart System as COVID-19, compared to 3.7 per cent of 4,403 from the previous report.
Health Authorities Official Statements
“We continue to see a rise in COVID-19 cases in this week’s report. We have also seen a small rise in hospital admission rates in most age groups, particularly among the older. Overall levels of admission still remain extremely low and we are not currently seeing a similar increase in ICU admissions. We will continue to monitor these rates closely,” said Dr Mary Ramsay, UKHSA’s head of immunisation.
“Regular and thorough hand washing helps protect you from COVID-19 and other bugs and viruses. If you have symptoms of a respiratory illness, we recommend staying away from others where possible,” she said.
The UKHSA maintains a regular ‘Flu and COVID-19 surveillance report’, tracking emerging new variants and monitoring variants classified as being of concern. The Arcturus XBB.1.16 variant, also a descendant of Omicron, remains the most dominant in the UK.
Factors Leading to Rise in Cases
According to Professor Lawrence Young, a virologist at Warwick University, a multiple factors contribute to the rise in cases. Firstly, the impoverished weather conditions in the last month has contributed to indoor gathering. Further, these gatherings have accelerated the spread of the Eris variant.
As the UK grapples with the rapid spread of the Eris variant, health authorities, and experts are closely monitoring the situation and advising the public to take necessary precautions to limit its transmission.
