Israel discovers new variant EG.5.1 of SARS-COV-2 virus

New variant of SARS-COV-2 virus. (Source: The Jerusalem Post)

Israeli media on August 6 quoted medical sources confirming that at least 18 cases in the country have just been detected with a new variant of the SARS-COV-2 virus, called "Eris."

Scientists have named the new variant EG.5.1, one of the variants that has led to a spike in hospitalizations in several countries.

As of July 24, the world has recorded 2,442 cases of the EG.5.1 variant in 36 countries, including several cases in Israel.

The EG.5.1 variant was first detected in Asia last March and is showing signs of spreading rapidly.

Variant EG.5.1 and sub-variant XBB.1.16 (also known as Arcturus) are increasing in spread.

In the UK, the EG.5.1 variant is making up the majority of hospital admissions in July.

In Japan, cases have also been rising for the 17th consecutive week, with 78,502 cases in the last week of July alone.

In the US, the EG.5 variant also accounts for the highest proportion of Covid-19 cases, followed by the XBB.1.16 variant.

VNA

Source: http://www.baovanhoa.vn/the-gioi/artmid/425/articleid/67565/israel-phat-hien-bien-the-moi-eg51-cua-virus-sars-cov-2