Maharashtra health officials have found a new variant of COVID-19 in India. Also nicknamed Eris, this variant is heavily linked to the rapid rise of reported corona cases in the UK. EG.5.1 is also called a sub-variant of Omicron. According to reports, the variant was traced in India back in May 2023.
After a long period of relief, Maharashtra is experiencing a small surge in COVID-19 cases, which has become a headache for health authorities who are asked to remain cautious.
How serious is it?
Dr Rajesh Karyakarte, a senior scientist associated with Pune’s BJ Medical College and the state’s genome sequencing in charge, has shared his opinions with Times of India about this new variant. “EG.5.1 was initially detected in Maharashtra in May. Despite the passage of two months since its detection, we have yet to observe a significant surge in COVID-19 cases during June and July. Currently, subvariants XBB.1.16 (arcturus) and XBB.2.3 (acrux) continue to dominate”, he has stated.
Recent COVID Cases in Maharashtra
- Maharashtra state health department data reveals a recent hike in active COVID cases, increasing from 70 at the end of July to 115 by August 6.
- The current hike in COVID cases has happened over the last few days, which could be a cause of respiratory infections that usually experience a seasonal spike in COVID-19 cases from June to September.
- Most of the infected patients have mild symptoms. Those requiring intensive care either have underlying health issues or are old.
- Therefore, there is no conclusive evidence that the new variant is responsible for the rising COVID-19 cases. A close watch for an extended period of time can tell if the new phenomenon is a sure evidence of increase in cases.
It should be added in the context that USA is also witnessing a rise in COVID-related hospitalizations. Therefore, the local governments as well as the centre will have to consider the global picture to understand whether this new variant would create a pandemic-like situation. The new variant has already raised a health alert in the UK.
The variant was first classified on 31 July. Now 1 in 10 COVID patients is infected with Eris which has become the second most prevalent COVID variant in the UK, only next to Arcturus accounting for 39.4% of all cases, as per the UK Health Security Agency(UKHSA).
Eris has not established its dominance in India. However, it does not belittle the importance of monitoring. In fact, vigilant watch is an obligation in cases of hospital admissions.