Eris – a variant of Omicron, real name EG.5.1 – is now the most prevalent variant in the US, and is spreading in Europe and Asia. But it's unlikely to cause a new wave of infection in Australia, experts say.
The new coronavirus variant nicknamed Eris is unlikely to cause a new wave of infection in Australia, experts say., and is spreading in Europe and Asia. Since it was first spotted in Australia in April, some 68 cases have been detected.
Evidence so far suggests EG.5.1 may be slightly more infectious than other variants of Omicron but that advantage is so slight it is unlikely to cause a new wave, said associate professor James Wood, an infectious diseases modeller at the University of NSW. “My qualitative view here is that we may still need to see one or two additional spike mutations on top of these changes before these start to move the needle on wave risk.”Australia reported 5431 COVID-19 cases last week, though that number is likely a considerable underestimate due to the closure of testing facilities and the rolling back of mandatory reporting for positive rapid test results.
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