Eris: Why WHO Has Classified New Covid Strain as ’Variant of Interest? Should We Be Concerned?

There has been a steady increase in this variant’s prevalence. As of 7 August 2023, over 7000 sequences have been shared from 51 countries.

In a new statement released by WHO, it stated that Based on the available evidence, the public health risk posed by EG.5 is evaluated as low at the global level, similar to the risk of other current Covid-19 variants of interest. Based on its characteristics, EG.5 may spread globally & cause a surge in cases.

Infectious Disease Epidemiologist Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove said yesterday that, “The virus is evolving and circulating in every country. This will continue and this is what we have to prepare for.”