In Russia, new cases of infection with the Eris variant of the EG.5 coronavirus have been recorded. The initial spread touched major cities and regions including Moscow, the Moscow region, St. Petersburg, and also reached the Magadan and Irkutsk regions, the Krasnodar Territory, as well as the republics of Buryatia and Khakassia. According to Rospotrebnadzor, a total of 17 infections were documented between April and August 2023.
The Eris strain has appeared in 51 countries, among them the United Kingdom, China, and the United States. The variant first emerged on February 17, 2023, and the World Health Organization has placed it on a watch list for close monitoring. Source: WHO
In the United Kingdom, Eris is currently the second most common coronavirus variant, representing about 14.6% of all COVID-19 cases. Health authorities also report a rise in overall infections, with the number of cases increasing by nearly 200,000 between July 4 and July 27. Source: UK health agencies
The global frequency of Eris detection has risen from 6.2% to 11.6%. The variant shows notably higher transmission efficiency than Kraken and Arcturus and demonstrates a greater ability to evade existing immunity from prior SARS-CoV-2 strains. Thus far, scientists have not observed mutations linked to greater disease severity. Nevertheless, people with weakened immune systems remain a higher-risk group for Eris infections. Source: global surveillance reports
At present, the EG.5 Eris variant has not achieved wide spread within the Russian Federation, but authorities warn about the possibility of complications in the epidemiological situation if the virus continues to spread alongside COVID-19.
Former medical professionals note practices that may increase the risk of infection and offer guidance on protective measures in daily life. They emphasize vaccination when appropriate, adherence to local public health advisories, and ongoing monitoring for unusual symptoms, especially among vulnerable populations. Source: public health guidance