EG.5, the latest omicron covid-19 subvariant that is being dubbed “Eris”, may spread more easily than past versions of the virus and could evade immunity
By Chen Ly
14 August 2023
A coronavirus test in Milford, Connecticut, in February 2022
U S Army/ZUMA Press Wire Service/Shutterstock
Recorded coronavirus cases are on the rise around the world, including in countries such as the UK, US and China. Last week, the World Health Organization (WHO) named an omicron subvariant called EG.5, or “Eris”, as a variant of interest, directing governments to keep a close eye on it. Here’s what we know so far.
What is EG.5?
EG.5 is a descendant of the SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant, which was first recorded in November 2021. It is closely related to XBB.1.9.2, another omicron subvariant, but has an extra spike protein mutation. It was nicknamed “Eris” by T. Ryan Gregory at the University of Guelph, Canada.
The subvariant also has an offshoot, dubbed EG.5.1, which contains an additional spike protein mutation.
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EG.5 was first reported to the WHO on 17 February and was placed under monitoring on 19 July. On 9 August, after growing numbers of recorded EG.5 cases, the organisation designated it – along with EG.5.1 – as a “variant of interest”, advising health authorities to carefully monitor its transmission.
Where has EG.5 been identified? And how prevalent is it?
Globally, reports of EG.5 have been surging. In the week ending 23 July, 17.4 per cent of all sequenced SARS-CoV-2 cases were identified as EG.5, compared with just 7.6 per cent in the previous month.
As of 7 August, EG.5 cases had been reported to the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data by 51 countries, including China, the US, Australia and Japan.