The coronavirus strain nicknamed “eris” was responsible for more than 1 in 5 new infections in recent weeks, according to updated data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
EG.5, or “eris,” is the top strain circulating in the U.S., causing nearly 22% of cases over the past two weeks, according to CDC data. The strain has been increasing in recent weeks as XBB.1.5 declines.
It’s also the most prevalent strain globally, according to the World Health Organization. The U.N. health agency designated EG.5 a “variant of interest,” warning that it could cause a rise in cases globally.
EG.5 appears more transmissible and better able to evade immunity provided by vaccines and previous infection, according to WHO. But it hasn’t been associated with more severe disease.
Its rise in the U.S. comes as COVID-19 hospitalizations have increased for six straight weeks.
The CDC’s variant tracker does not yet include BA.2.86, a highly mutated strain that has been found in low levels in the U.S. According to the CDC, BA.2.86 was responsible for less than 1% of infections over the past two weeks in the U.S.
The CDC updated its risk assessment for BA.2.86 this week. It said that based on current data, “existing tests used to detect and medications used to treat COVID-19 continue to be effective with this variant.”
Additionally, researchers believe the new COVID-19 booster shots set to roll out this month will likely protect against severe disease and hospitalization from the strain.
