The new variant Eris (EG.5.1) is believed to be the main reason for the recent increase in cases of corona infection in the UK. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified it as a 'Variant of Interest'. Studies are ongoing to understand the nature of this new variant, which is not currently believed to be a serious pathogen. Media reports show that cases of this variant have been seen in India as well, for which health experts advise all people to be alert. Can this variant pose a major threat? Given the current context, this remains a big question.
Health experts say the nature of the new variant is not a serious pathogen, although some additional mutations have been observed in it, due to which concerns are being raised about its infectivity. Early research suggests that this may be the reason for the rapid increase in infections in people.
It is a subtype of the Omicron variant, so it is less likely to cause severe disease and hospitalization. Let us know what kind of risk is there regarding this in India?
No need to worry in India
On the risks of the new variant, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya assured that India need not worry about COVID-19. Mandaviya said that keeping in mind the danger of new variants, the government is emphasizing genome sequencing. The risk of corona infection is less in the country, but there is a need for all people to be constantly careful regarding prevention and prevention of infection.
Of all the sub-variants of Omicron that have come to the fore so far, there has been no risk of serious disease due to any of them.
The new variant was spotted in India only in May.
Dr. NK Arora, chairman of the Covid-19 working group of the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI), told TOI that EG.5 was detected in India in May-June. Due to this sub-variant, there is no change in cases of infection or hospitalization in the country in the last two months. This is the reason why people do not need to worry too much about it at the moment. Corona infection can be protected from infection by following general measures to prevent it.
Understand the nature of this variant
Preliminary studies report that this new variant has additional mutations in its spike as compared to its original XBB.1.9.2. This mutation has also appeared in other coronavirus variants earlier. Scientists aren't sure what new problems this variant might be causing. There are 465 mutations present in about 35% of the coronavirus variants reported worldwide.
Situation due to how people are seen
According to media reports, in the countries of the world where the condition of infection has been observed due to these new variants of corona, the risk of serious disease is being seen less. More risk is being seen only in those people who are either victims of comorbidity or the immunity system is very weak.
Dr. Eric Topol, a cardiologist at the Scripps Translational Research Institute, said: "It's showing some more immunosuppressive properties than what was exemplified in this XBB series, which is why it's being used in many countries around the world." The risk of developing this infection may be high.
(PC: Freepik)
