New Covid-19 strain: No need to panic, but take note of Eris variant

The National Department of Health confirmed the first case of the new variant in South Africa on Wednesday, 16 August. Foster Mohale, the National Health Department’s spokesperson, confirmed that they discovered the variant in a sample taken from a patient in Gauteng, Eyewitness News reported.

The latest identified version of the Covid-19 virus is called EG.5, or the Eris strain. It is a descendant of Omicron that gained attention in November 2021. However, the Eris sub-variant differs slightly from the original Omicron variant because the spike protein of this specific variant has mutated.

With the emergence of a new Covid-19 variant, should students at the North-West University (NWU) Potchefstroom Campus be worried?

According to Dr Stephan Steyn, senior lecturer in the School of Pharmacy on the NWU’s Potchefstroom campus, a mutation could increase transmission, and make the virus more resistant to treatment and the immune system’s response. It can also cause more severe symptoms, and potentially increase the risk of fatality. However, not all mutations are clinically relevant and may not have any of these effects.

The latest report from the World Health Organisation (WHO) says that despite an increase in Covid-19 cases linked to the Eris variant, there is no significant difference in the severity and clinical impact of symptoms compared to other strains.

“The Eris variant is similar to previous strains, and primarily infects the upper respiratory tract,” Steyn said. 

With the emergence of this new variant, students should watch out for the main symptoms of the variant. This awareness will help students keep themselves and others safe from potential infection. 

Christien Pretorius, the head of Primary Healthcare at the NWU Health Centres, said that the symptoms of Eris are the same as the previous Covid-19 strains.

“These symptoms include fever or chills, cough, difficulty breathing, muscle and body aches, and headache,” she said.

Steyn advised students to be vigilant about a common symptom associated with Covid-19, the loss of taste and smell.

There are currently no specific vaccines for the new variant Eris, Good Housekeeping reported. Current vaccines are effective against Eris, offering protection against infection and severe illness.

The genetic similarity to previous strains largely contributes to the effectiveness of pharmacological treatment.

There are several steps that students can take to protect themselves from the new variant. Students should adhere to the same prevention measures as with other strains of the virus. However, it is crucial to exercise increased vigilance due to the higher transmissibility of this variant.

“Students should regularly wash and sanitise their hands, avoid contact with individuals who have flu-like symptoms, and wear masks in large groups or situations where infection is possible,” Pretorius said. 

Steyn emphasised the importance of students being concerned about the emergence of the mutated virus alongside other factors. “The misuse of antimicrobial drugs, such as antibiotics, fuel a serious global issue known as antimicrobial resistance,” he said.