COVID-19 the Eris variant, also known as EG.5, is a new sub-variant of the omicron variant of the coronavirus that was first detected in February 2023 and has been declared a variant of interest by the World Health Organization (WHO)
The Eris variant has been dubbed so on social media, following the WHO convention of using letters of the Greek alphabet to name key variants. Eris is also the name of a goddess of strife and discord in Greek mythology
The Eris variant has become the most dominant strain in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and has been reported in 51 countries, including China, the UK, France, Japan, and Canada
The Eris variant may be more transmissible than other COVID-19 variants, as it may evade immunity offered by previous infections, vaccines, and boosters. However, there is no evidence that it causes more severe disease or increases the risk of death
The symptoms of the Eris variant are similar to those of other COVID-19 variants, such as fever, cough, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, headache, fatigue, and diarrhea. Some symptoms may be mild and resemble those of seasonal allergies
The prevention and treatment measures for the Eris variant are also similar to those of other COVID-19 variants, such as wearing masks, social distancing, washing hands, avoiding crowds, getting vaccinated, and seeking medical help if needed
The Eris variant is being monitored by health authorities around the world to assess its impact on public health and the effectiveness of vaccines and treatments. Scientists are also working on developing updated vaccines that can target the Eris variant and other emerging variants