Key Facts About New ‘Eris’ COVID Variant

The new COVID-19 virus variant spreading now, “Eris,” is ⁢currently the predominant‌ strain in the United States, according to data from the‍ U.S. Centers⁤ for Disease ​Control and Prevention (CDC). Although it’s increasingly reported worldwide, health experts say it poses a⁢ low risk⁢ to public ⁣health, as there is no evidence it causes different or more severe‍ symptoms than ‍previous omicron offspring.

The Essentials

A subvariant of the omicron lineage, Eris, otherwise known as EG.5, was detected as early as February 2023.

As of Aug. 23, Eris has been detected in​ more than 50 countries and is responsible for‌ an estimated 20.6 percent of all cases in the United States.

Meanwhile, FL.1.5.1 is now the second⁤ most prevalent ⁤strain, accounting for over​ 13 ⁢percent of cases.

On Aug. 9, the World Health Organization (WHO) designated Eris as a variant of interest (pdf), meaning‍ it possesses genetic characteristics that could increase its transmissibility, ⁤virulence, and‌ ability to ​evade vaccines.

The WHO had previously labeled ⁤Eris as a variant‍ “under​ monitoring” after a surge in​ COVID-19 infections in early July.

The​ current variant of interest list also includes two other omicron cousins—XBB.1.5 and XBB.1.16.

If Eris is ‍upgraded to a ‌variant of ⁣concern, governments would need to⁣ increase preventative measures, such as mask mandates in ⁤hospitals, testing, or physical distancing.

There have already been growing concerns that Eris ⁢could‍ trigger governments to revive ⁤some COVID-19 restrictions.

How ⁣Dangerous Is It Compared to Other ⁢Variants?

Eris is a descendent of omicron ‍variant XBB.1.9.2.

Eris carries an additional amino acid mutation, known ​as F456L, in the spike protein. This mutation has been shown to escape immunity⁢ gained from previous variants and may help the new variant‌ transmit quickly.

The CDC said there is no evidence Eris causes more severe disease than other omicron ⁣descendants, and it seems to cause ‌similar symptoms.

Similar ⁣to those of earlier COVID-19 virus ‍strains and that of the common cold, symptoms may include the following:

• Fatigue.
• Muscle ‍pain.
• Chest pain.
• Headache.
• Sore‌ throat.
• Runny nose.
• Congestion.
• Cough.
• Fever and chills.
• Nausea or ⁢vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Loss⁤ of taste or‍ smell.

New Generation ‘Variant Under Monitoring’

Health authorities have also been tracking a highly ⁢mutated strain called ​BA.2.86, or “Pirola” by some, which has‌ caught scientists by surprise after it was picked up by COVID-19 testing on three continents.

This variant has scientists ‌on⁣ alert because its emergence is reminiscent of the early days of the omicron variant in late 2021 when researchers in southern Africa⁣ noticed a lineage that quickly spread ‌globally.

“There’s a little bit of ‍déjà vu all over again,” said Adam Lauring, a‍ virologist and‌ infectious-disease physician at the University ‍of Michigan in Ann Arbor.