The COVID-19 pandemic has gripped the world for more than 4 years now. As the coronavirus undergoes multiple mutations, its newer strains keep affecting people across the globe. Every time, the virus comes with novel symptoms which are hard to detect without taking a test. In this regard, the recent prominent spike in COVID-19 cases has been observed in New York City and the UK. Let us make an analysis of this latest surge and evaluate its possibility of spreading further based on the potency of the new variant of coronavirus.
Eris-The new variant of the COVID-19 virus
EG.5.1, nicknamed Eris after the second-largest known dwarf planet in our solar system, has emerged as the latest strain of the SARS-CoV-2 variant. Listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as ‘a variant of interest’, it belongs to the family of Omicron viruses i.e. a subvariant of XXB.1.9.2. According to the experts, the chances of higher prevalence of EG.5.1. variant as compared to other Omicron variants, although present, are not significant.
However, a slight increase in the immune escape properties has been observed. Additionally, the virus also possesses modified growth patterns of growth. According to Christina Pagel, a professor at University College London, despite these changes observed in Eris, the severity of the disease caused by it has remained unaltered. By now, the virus has been detected in more than 45 countries which has become a point of concern for the health department.
Coronavirus responsible for COVID-19 pandemic
Symptoms associated with Eris variant
Although there is a similarity between the symptoms of COVID-19 caused by any variant and subvariant, the ones particularly associated with the Eris variant are as follows:
- Throbbing headaches
- Constant dry cough
- Runny nose
- Sore throat with a burning sensation
- Pyrexia or fever
- Extreme tiredness
- Difficulty in breathing (observed in some patients)
These symptoms are expected to be mild as the majority of the population has been vaccinated. However, in case of severe symptoms, one should immediately contact a healthcare provider to seek medical treatment.
Statistics regarding COVID-19 surge in the NYC
According to the statistics reported by the New York Department of Health, in NYC alone, a 55% surge in COVID-19 cases has been recorded which is a significant number. This surge also indicates an increase in hospitalizations as a total of 824 cases have been reported. In comparison to the statistics of the last week of July in which the spike was 22%, this recent increase in the month of August is tremendous.
As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), among the total cases of COVID-19 reported in New York City, 17.3% are caused by the new variant Eris. Furthermore, a 13% increase in hospitalization has been observed in the United States.
Statistics regarding COVID-19 cases indicating the number of confirmed cases as well as deaths
Statistics regarding COVID-19 surge in the UK
In the United Kingdom, along with several other countries including Canada, India, and Japan, the presence of Eris in the patients affected with COVID-19 has been first reported on July 31, 2023. Based on the data reported by UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) published in the Guardian, a 15% spike has been observed in the cases of COVID-19 which are caused by EG.5 viruses, particularly its child variant EG.5.1. As this number only estimates cases reported in London, it is expected that the overall cases in the UK will be higher.
Should I be worried?
If you are a resident of New York City or you are located somewhere in the UK, you are definitely prone to being affected by EG.5.1. Although, the good news is that the latest version of the coronavirus does not seem lethal as stated by the experts. Moreover, it is also unlikely to become severely ill if affected by the Eris variant despite the fact that some patients might require hospitalization.
However, it is necessary to take all the recommended precautionary measures to prevent getting sick. If you get a cold or the flu, it might be COVID-19 so it is good to take a rapid test just to make sure. In case of a positive test, contact your healthcare provider or visit the nearest healthcare facility.
Precautionary measures for the prevention of COVID-19
BD 256082 rapid test kits for the detection of COVID-19 are available at an affordable price at Health Supply 770. These are from the brand BD Veritor system and have been approved by the FDA.
Vaccination is still an option
Although almost everyone around the globe has been vaccinated for COVID-19 by now, it is still recommended to get booster shots to further improve one’s immunity which will be helpful in dealing with the new variants. If cases are being reported in your area, it is advised to get vaccinated once again in order to avoid being affected by the virus.
Conclusion
The world has not been fully relieved from the COVID-19 pandemic as the newer variants of the virus are constantly being revealed. The recent surge in the cases has been observed in New York City as well as in the UK and has elevated the number of hospitalizations thus putting extreme pressure on the healthcare system. However, as the new variant nicknamed Eris is not lethal, there is nothing to worry about if you are taking the necessary precautionary measures.
PhD Scholar (Pharmaceutics), MPhil (Pharmaceutics), Pharm D, B. Sc.
Uzma Zafar is a dedicated and highly motivated pharmaceutical professional currently pursuing her PhD in Pharmaceutics at the Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab. With a comprehensive academic and research background, Uzma has consistently excelled in her studies, securing first division throughout her educational journey.
Uzma’s passion for the pharmaceutical field is evident from her active engagement during her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) program, where she not only mastered industrial techniques and clinical case studies but also delved into marketing strategies and management skills.
