COVID-19: Details about the EG.5 Coronavirus Variant "Erida"
The EG.5 variant of the coronavirus has prompted experts to once again discuss COVID-19. The WHO has classified this subvariant of omicron as "of interest." Does the world face the return of the pandemic? 😷
On May 5, 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced the end of the global state of emergency related to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, at that time, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that this does not mean that the SARS-CoV-2 virus has been defeated. On the contrary, it continues to circulate on the planet, remaining dangerous, and more dangerous virus variants than those we know could emerge.
And now that moment has arrived: a new variant of the coronavirus is being discussed - EG.5. However, whether it is more dangerous than the previous ones - it's too early to tell.
The WHO has classified this variant as "of interest," but not as a "variant of concern." The latter category includes variants that significantly impact the course of the pandemic, such as those that spread more easily, lead to a higher number of cases, or result in more severe illness or higher mortality.
Together with EG.5, the WHO is also closely monitoring two other virus variants: XBB.1.5, widely spread in Europe and America, and XBB.1.16 (Arcturus), primarily prevalent in Asia.
How widespread is the EG.5 coronavirus variant? 🤯
Canadian evolutionary biologist T. Ryan Gregory from the University of Guelph in Ontario has meticulously studied the EG.5.1 coronavirus subvariant, also known as "Erida." This name is derived from a dwarf planet and is named after the Greek goddess of discord. However, this name does not indicate particular danger that the virus carries but rather serves as a simplified label for the subvariant. In his tweet, the scientist humorously adds that "label ≠ danger, as might be expected."
The inclusion of EG.5 in the "of interest" category by the WHO is justified by the increase in infection cases, rapid spread, and the ability to exhibit Immune Escape - evading human immunity. EG.5 is a derivative of XBB.1.9.2 with an additional spike protein mutation, which likely assists the virus in evading the human immune response, as explained by the Neherlab research group based at the Biozentrum of the University of Basel in Switzerland. Back in June, the group noted that EG.5 is the most rapidly spreading and widely present variant of the coronavirus, and EG.5.1 could be an even "more successful" mutation.
According to Neherlab data, the EG.5 variant was first identified in Indonesia in February 2023, and in the United States, it was first detected in March 2023. At a virtual WHO press conference, the variant was also discussed. "Of course, all the identified subvariants of omicron have an increased level of spread," says epidemiologist Maria Van Kerkhove, who represents the COVID-19 technical direction at WHO. According to her, this indicates that the virus continues to circulate and mutate. Around 7000 sequences of this coronavirus variant have been sequenced in 51 countries.
The majority of EG.5 sequencing was conducted in China (30.6%, or 2247 sequences). At least 100 sequences were performed in the USA, South Korea, Japan, Canada, Australia, Singapore, the UK, France, Portugal, and Spain.
However, "the consequences in terms of hospitalization and mortality are not as pronounced, as most individuals are protected through vaccination and prior infections, resulting in a certain level of immunity," says Van Kerkhove.
Why should we continue to be vigilant about the coronavirus? 🧐
Despite this, the expert is concerned that "new variants may emerge that are even more dangerous, and this is something to consider."
According to the epidemiologist, it's crucial that countries monitor the situation and, most importantly, provide WHO with data regarding hospitalization, the number of COVID patients in intensive care units, and mortality rates. "At present, we cannot provide accurate statistics about COVID-19-related mortality," says WHO expert Van Kerkhove. In July, only a quarter of countries worldwide provided the organization with mortality data, and only 11% provided figures regarding severe cases of the disease. Sequencing remains essential, too, the expert says: "The virus hasn't disappeared."
In the USA, the number of new patients in hospitals is increasing week by week, currently reaching 9056. However, compared to the peak of omicron variant infections in January 2022, this is only 6%.
As of now, it is unclear whether the new increase in COVID cases is linked to the EG.5 variant. American medical professional Eric Topol points out the importance of monitoring the situation, but it's not possible to establish a clear cause-and-effect relationship between the slight increase in viral traces in wastewater, the rise in infections, and hospitalizations. WHO also highlights these risk assessments for EG.5.
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