What you need to know about the new Eris COVID-19 variant
The world is currently dealing with the new Eris COVID-19 variant. From symptoms to how you can protect yourself, here is what you need to know.
COVID-19 continues to negatively impact the health of millions of people around the world. Worldometer states that 6,911,188 people have died so far from the COVID-19 outbreak, as of 30 August 2023.
Earlier in August, the Department of Health confirmed the first case of the new COVID-19 subvariant EG.5, also known as Eris.
The case was reported from a patient in Gauteng.
"Yes, we can confirm just like parts of the world which have recorded a sub-variant of Omicron which in South Africa we have recorded only one case, even though it was two months ago we recorded the case," Spokesperson Foster Mohale said.
"We want to urge the public not to panic but to but remain vigilant at all times," Mohale added.
READ: First case of new Covid-19 variant confirmed in South Africa
The first case of the new #COVID19 variant was confirmed in South Africa, prompting the National Department of Health (South Africa) to reiterate its call for people to get vaccinated.
— Department of Health (@HealthZA) August 23, 2023
The first sample taken in Gauteng tested positive for the new strain named EG.5 or Eris. pic.twitter.com/o072JK2C3E
Protection
To prevent the virus from spreading, the Health Department has urged people to maintain hygiene, use sanitisers, and wash their hands using water and soap.
"Getting vaccinated and boosted is still your best protection against severe illness, along with washing hands," states the Department of Health.
It has also urged the public to continue wearing masks.
The department adds that "masking when in crowded spaces and staying home when sick" are some of the best ways to limit the spread.
READ: WHO, US health authorities tracking new Covid-19 variant
Getting #vaccinated and #boosted is still your best protection against severe illness along with washing hands. EG.5 or Eris is a #COVID19 variant pic.twitter.com/IRSVR3hopt
— Department of Health (@HealthZA) August 23, 2023
Symptoms
Below are some of the symptoms from the Department of Health:
Runny nose
Fever
Fatigue
Cough
Sore throat
Changes in smell and taste
READ: First case of new Covid-19 variant confirmed in South Africa
The EG.5 or Eris symptoms are the same as the past #COVID19 variants:
— Department of Health (@HealthZA) August 23, 2023
Runny nose, fever, fatigue, cough, sore throat and changes in smell or taste pic.twitter.com/U0ZljQXqe0
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