UK: New COVID Variant Breaks Loose
A new Covid variant is spreading across the UK, and is reportedly related to the contagious Omicron mutation.
Titled Eris, the variant, which is also called EG. 5.1, has been found in a number of cases in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
UK Health Security Agency scientists attributed the virus’ spread on waning immunity and bad summer weather.
Eris was initially identified in the UK in late July and is responsible for 10% of the country’s Covid infections. The variant is the second-most prevalent variant in Britain after Arcturus, according to the UK HSA.
Symptoms include: Sore throat, runny nose, blocked nose, sneezing, dry cough, headache, wet cough, hoarse voice, muscle aches and altered smell.
Eris, one of the rapidly spreading Omicron subvariants, is believed to be gaining an edge due to a slightly advantageous mutation.
According to the Zoe health study, around 808,140 individuals in the UK are experiencing symptomatic Covid, with approximately 64,596 new daily cases.
This number has been on the rise since the beginning of July. The Zoe study indicates that the virus is spreading most rapidly in Northern Ireland, though cases are also present in England, Scotland, and Wales.
