In Russia, the first cases of infection with a new variant of the EG.5 coronavirus, known as Eris, were recorded. Cases in Moscow, Moscow region, St. Petersburg, as well as the Magadan and Irkutsk regions, the Krasnodar Territory, the republics of Buryatia and Khakassia. According to Rospotrebnadzor, a total of 17 cases of infection were recorded between April and August 2023.
The spread of the strain is seen in 51 countries, including the UK, China and the USA. The virus first appeared on February 17, 2023. WHO has included it in the list of options under observation.
In the UK, the virus is now the second most common coronavirus variant in the country, accounting for 14.6% of all COVID-19 cases. Authorities also note an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, with the total number of infections increasing by nearly 200,000 between July 4 and 27.
The frequency of detection of “Eris” in the world increased from 6.2% to 11.6%. The variant exhibits a significantly higher propagation efficiency compared to Kraken and Arcturus. It is also better at avoiding already developed immunity to other SARS-CoV-2 strains. So far, scientists have not recorded mutations that could be associated with disease severity. However, the risk group includes people with weakened immune systems.
Currently, the EG.5 variant (Eris) has not yet become widespread in the Russian Federation, but there are risks of complicating the epidemiological situation associated with its spread with COVID-19.
Former Medics clarified a habit that increases the risk of infection.