New Covid variant Eris detected in Maharashtra

According to an expert, India must be cautious in the face of the spread of a new COVID variant because COVID-appropriate behavior has taken a back seat and immunity is waning.

New Covid variant EG.5.1, also known as Eris, has increased Coronavirus cases in the UK and Maharashtra. The Omicron variant was detected in May but did not cause significant impact in June and July. Covid cases have increased from 70 to 115 in August. Eris strain has increased hospitalizations among elderly people in the UK, and it is crucial to monitor the situation. The rise in Corona cases may be due to waning immunity from previous infections or vaccinations, and booster shots are essential to combating the virus.

‘India needs to be careful amid waning immunity’

New Covid-19 strains’ concerns depend on factors like transmissibility, severity, and vaccine effectiveness. The latest strain, Eris, is closely monitored by WHO. India must be cautious as Covid-appropriate behavior has taken a back seat, and vaccination immunity may be waning. If caught off guard, it can be disastrous.

Dr. Kuldeep Kumar Grover, Head of Critical Care and Pulmonology at CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon, suggests that the new strain, initially from the UK, has not reported many cases in Mumbai. As no positive rate or upsurge has been reported, it may not be of much concern for India.

Symptoms of Eris or EG5.1

“The symptoms are similar to previous variants, such as cough, cold, fever, throat pain, and chest tightness, but in immunocompromised people and some susceptible individuals, it can lead to fatal ARDS.” “It also appears to be more contagious than previous variants,” Dr. Jha adds.

Covid-19, a new co-variant of the Omicron strain, may cause mild Covid symptoms in infected individuals. Rapid COVID spread is characterized by increased infectivity and less visibility. However, due to double vaccinations and hybrid immunity, infection rates may be minimal, with minimal hospitalization. Regular hygiene, such as hand washing and masking, can reduce the risk of viral and bacterial infections. In Maharashtra, cases are not significant due to flu season and fever due to other causes like malaria, typhoid, and Dengue. It is crucial to be cautious of sudden spikes in fever cases without a clear cause.

What people in India need to do to avoid Covid infection

Dr. Grover emphasizes three key steps to ensure a healthy, balanced diet, hygienic lifestyle, regular vaccinations, and Covid-appropriate behavior: wearing masks, avoiding crowds, and proper sanitization. Although the strain hasn’t significantly increased cases, public should be vigilant and follow safety precautions, despite its low contagiousness.