A New Omicron Subvariant, Dubbed ‘Eris,’ Heralds Covid-19’s Resurgence

livemint.com:

Omicron variant gains momentum. The continued evolution of the virus is a reminder that Covid-19 remains a nuisance for many and a serious risk for some even though the disease is far less disruptive than it once was. A rising tide of virus concentrations in wastewater and infections in hospitals show Covid-19 remains unpredictable.

The new subvariant, called EG.5, is a descendant of another called XBB.1.9.2 and has been reported in at least 51 countries as of Aug. 7, according to the World Health Organization. Some scientists on X, formerly known as Twitter, have dubbed it “Eris" unofficially.

Like other Omicron subvariants, EG.5 has immune-escape properties, but there are no signs it is more severe, the WHO said. EG.5 is projected to represent roughly 17% of cases in the U.S. as of Aug.

5, making it the most prevalent version of the virus in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is among a menagerie of more than a dozen Omicron offshoots estimated to represent at least 1% of cases. The CDC can’t make variant predictions in every U.S.

region anymore because there isn’t enough testing and sequencing data available, said Dr. Joseph Kanter, state health officer and medical director at the Louisiana Department of Health. Health officials, vaccine makers and doctors are gearing up for a fall vaccination campaign that will look different from previous ones: Vaccines will be distributed to pharmacies and doctors offices through the commercial market, not government purchases.