The acronym “EG” in EG.5.1 doesn’t stand for “for example.” Instead, EG.5.1 represents the latest variant of the Covid-19 coronavirus that is currently spreading, illustrating once again the virus’s ongoing evolution.
On July 19, 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) included EG.5# as a new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variant on its variant under monitoring (VUM) list.
The “#” in EG.5# signifies an umbrella category encompassing variants like EG.5 and EG.5.1. However, standing under this particular umbrella may not be advisable, as it can still lead to Covid-19 and potentially long Covid.
Given the challenging nature of remembering designations resembling footnotes or Star Wars droids, people on social media have taken to assigning unofficial names to Omicron variants and subvariants, such as Arcturus and Kraken, over the past year.
These names often seem fitting for the characteristics of the variants. Recently, Professor Ryan Gregory from the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, referred to the EG.5.1 variant as “Eris” on Twitter, drawing attention to its lineage stemming from EG.5.
“Eris” is not an officially recognized name, but Gregory chose it based on its association with discord and strife, akin to the contentious issues surrounding Covid-19 over the past three years.
The term “Eris” resonates with the variant’s genetic composition, which combines elements from the XBB.1.9.2 and S:F456L variants.
Gregory clarified that “There’s nothing particularly special about EG.5.1 [XBB.1.9.2.5.1] as far as we can tell,” indicating that it does not appear to cause different or more severe Covid-19 symptoms.
However, it does seem to be more transmissible, evidenced by its increasing prevalence. In the UK, EG.5.1 accounted for an estimated 14.55% of all Covid-19 cases as of July 20, with a weekly growth rate of 20.51%.
In the US, EG.5 variants rose from approximately 11.9% to 17.3% of cases between late July and early August, surpassing the XBB.1.16 to become the most dominant variant.
Simultaneously, Covid-19 indicators such as hospitalizations and virus presence in wastewater samples have been on the rise in the US. Public health measures are trending upwards in response, reflecting a cautious approach amidst the uncertainty surrounding Covid-19 data accuracy and testing practices.
Going through the current phase of the pandemic requires maintaining vigilance and adhering to appropriate precautions.
Vaccination, frequent hand washing, disinfecting high-touch surfaces, and choosing well-ventilated spaces in public settings remain crucial.
While panic is unwarranted, staying informed about emerging variants like Eris is prudent, ensuring readiness to adapt to evolving circumstances without unnecessary risk-taking.
