New Covid-19 variant: The United States is on Covid alert, as a new Covid-19 variant EG.5 is on the increase.
According to the latest statistics from the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the variant is responsible for approximately 17% of new Covid-19 cases in the country, compared to 16% for the next most frequent lineage, XBB.1.16.
When compared to its parent XBB.1.9.2, EG.5 contains one additional mutation in its spike at position 465. This mutation has already been observed in other coronavirus strains. Scientists are still unsure what the new mutation allows the virus to do.
According to reports, the 465 mutation is present in approximately 35% of coronavirus sequences recorded worldwide, including one that is increasing in prevalence in the Northeast, FL.1.5.1, implying that it provides some form of evolutionary benefit over prior versions.
EG.5.1, a new branch of EG.5, adds a second mutation to the spike. This one is also fast expanding.
The symptoms of EG.5 are similar to those of previous viruses.
EG.5 is also rapidly expanding in Ireland, France, the United Kingdom, Japan, and China. The World Health Organisation elevated its status from a variety under surveillance to a variant of interest on Wednesday, indicating that the agency believes it should be tracked and examined further.
