New COVID Variant 'Eris' Spreading Rapidly In UK, Experts Sound Alarm
The Eris variant now makes up one in seven new COVID cases, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), a new COVID-19 type is swiftly spreading throughout the country and raising anxiety among health professionals.The fast spreading strain EG.5.1, also known as Eris, was discovered for the first time last month in the UK, according to news agency PTI.
As part of horizon scanning on July 3, 2023, the signal EG.5.1 was initially raised due to an increase in reports from around the world, mainly from Asia. Due to the growing number of genomes in UKdata and ongoing growth globally.
It was subsequently elevated from a signal in monitoring to a variation V-23JUL-01 on July 31, 2023.The UKHSA stated that classifying this lineage as a variation will enable more thorough characterisation and analysis.
According to UKHSA, one in seven new COVID cases are now the Eris variant.
According to the UKHSA's most recent data, released on August 3, COVID-19 instances are still increasing nationwide."COVID-19 was detected in 5.4% of the 4,396 respiratory specimens submitted through the Respiratory DataMart System.According to the agency's data, this compares to 3.7%of4,403from the previous report.
According to Independent, the five most typical signs of Eris, a strain of Omicron, are runny nose, headache, lethargy, sneezing, and sore throat.
There has been a significant increase in cases and hospitalizations, and it appears to be spreading swiftly.
"In this week's data, we continue to see an increase in COVID-19 instances. Additionally, hospital admission rates have somewhat increased across the board, especially for older patients. "Overall admission levels continue to be very low, and we are not currently observing a comparable rise in ICU admissions," said Dr. Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunization at UKHSA.
As the number of COVID cases continues to climb, officials claim to be "closely" monitoring the situation.
Although people are better protected by vaccinations and earlier illness, according to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, nations should not let their guard down.
According to Mr. Ghebreyesus, who was quoted by Sky News, "WHO continues to advise people at high risk to wear a mask in crowded places, to get boosters when recommended, and to ensure adequate ventilation indoors. And we urge governments to maintain and not dismantle the systems they built for COVID-19."
Following the Arcturus XBB.1.16 variety, "Eris" is currently the second most common variant in the UK.
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