Introduction

Just as the world thought that it had put COVID-19 behind it, anxiety is gripping the globe again. SARS CoV-2 is back and this time with its new COVID variants, EG.5 (ERIS) and BA.2.86. This fast-spreading virus has been circulating in the US since February, with an approximately 17% uptick in cases. Lately, it has also been reported in countries like Japan, Canada, China, South Korea and India, amongst others.

To clear the aura of mystery around the new COVID variants – EG.5 and BA.2.86 variant let us read more about it and find out how different it is from its forerunners.

What is Covid EG.5? 

EG.5 has been reported to be a sub-lineage of the SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant that was first identified in November 2021. It is linked closely to XBB.1.9.2, which is another omicron subvariant with an extra mutation of the spike protein. The variant has been nicknamed ‘Eris’ unofficially on social media by T. Ryan Gregory from the University of Guelph in Canada, referring to the Greek goddess of discord and strife. The first report of EG.5 was submitted to WHO on 17^th February 2023 and was placed for monitoring on 19^th July.

What is COVID variant BA.2.86 ?

BA.2.86 emerges as a novel variant of SARS-CoV-2, showcasing a multitude of additional mutations relative to preceding Omicron variants. Specifically, the genetic composition of BA.2.86 reveals alterations encompassing more than 30 amino acid distinctions in comparison to BA.2, which held prominence as the prevailing Omicron lineage in the early months of 2022. Furthermore, BA.2.86 manifests over 35 amino acid changes in contrast to the more recently prevalent XBB.1.5 lineage, which maintained dominance throughout the majority of 2023. This extent of genetic divergence closely parallels the degree observed between the initial Omicron variant (BA.1) and preceding strains like Delta (B.1.617.2).

How are new COVID variants different from their predecessors? 

As of now, there is little evidence that this variant is more serious than its predecessors. Additionally, the manner in which the variant enters the body through tissues and cells and the symptoms caused by it have also been found to be similar to the other omicron variants.

While the new COVID variants are structurally different from previous variants, as explained above, it is too early to comment on changes in disease severity or rate of transmission of these viruses. 

The symptoms of new COVID variants 

COVID EG.5 symptoms or Eris symptoms and COVID BA.2.86 symptoms have been found to be similar to other variants. These are:

• Cough
• Fever
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Muscle ache
• Abdominal discomfort

Is WHO worried about the dangers of new COVID variants? 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has made statements that they are closely tracking the new COVID variant, EG.5 and BA.2.86, because there are possibilities that it may turn out to be more contagious as compared to the others. EG.5 has been labelled as a ‘variant of interest’ while COVID BA.2.86 has been labelled as a ‘variant under surveillance’.

However, WHO has maintained that it is important to keep following COVID-appropriate behaviour. There is always a possibility of the emergence of newer variants like BA.2.86. WHO has commanded member countries to keep track of COVID-19 illness, severity and transmission. 

New COVID variants in India 

The subtype of Omicron, the EG.5 variant, has been surging across the world in case clusters. In India, cases of EG.5, as well as other newer variants, are suspected to be circulating. but health authorities have repeatedly stated that there is no need to panic yet. Everyone should try to follow the COVID-safety measures to reduce our risk of exposure to these viruses. 

Precautions we need to maintain

The precautionary measures required to stay protected from the EG.5 variant and other emerging variant are the same as previously practised COVID appropriate behaviour These are:

• You need to wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water
• Always keep with you when stepping out a bottle of hand sanitiser
• Do not touch your nose, eyes and mouth, as the virus can enter the body
• At the time of sneezing or coughing, always cover the mouth and nose with tissue paper or the end of the elbow
• Avoid close contact with anyone suffering from cough or fever for a couple of days
• If you are feeling under the weather, stay at home and take a rest
• Booster shots and vaccinations can protect you from catching the virus
• You can also wear a mask when going to public places outside

 Conclusion

Recently, WHO has tagged the EG.5 variant as a ‘variant of interest’ meaning that there is the possibility that the rate of mutation can make it more contagious. BA.2.86 is being monitored closely. Also, it is highly susceptible to evading immunity. So, there is a need to carefully monitor its transmission in the coming weeks. However, it hasn’t yet been established if the new COVID variant is going to prove to be more dangerous in terms of illness severity. The best way to keep yourself protected from the newer variants is to maintain health and hygiene. Vaccination and social distancing are a must as well.

Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.