New Covid variant ‘Eris’ detected, should you be worried?

A new variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, named ‘Eris’, has emerged, sparking global worries as the US and the UK report a surge in fresh coronavirus infections leading to hospitalizations. Despite the concerns, experts are cautiously monitoring the situation and advising continued precautions.

Eris is a sub-strain of the highly transmissible Omicron XBB variant. It possesses additional mutations on the spike proteins S: F456L and S: Q52H, which enable it to attach to human airway cells. Although detected in India, specifically in Bengaluru and Pune, no clusters have been identified thus far, according to India’s SARS-CoV-2 genomics consortium INSACOG.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) noted that Eris first appeared on their radar on July 3, 2023, due to increasing international reports, particularly in Asia. It was subsequently classified as a variant under monitoring on July 31, 2023, as more genomes were identified in the UK and globally. This classification allows for further detailed analysis.

The main symptoms associated with the Eris variant include sore throat, runny nose, blocked nose, sneezing, dry cough, headache, and body pain. However, fever and breathlessness are reportedly less common in patients.

Virologist Dr Gagandeep Kang recommended stable surveillance as an effective approach to monitor emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. This method involves targeted monitoring through a network of experts, labs, and government agencies to assess the proportion of new lineages over time.

While Eris is currently classified as a ‘variant under monitoring,’ experts stress the need to track data over the next few weeks. Meanwhile, health authorities continue to advocate preventive measures such as mask-wearing, isolation for those with symptoms, frequent handwashing, and maintaining social distancing to curb the potential spread of the variant.