A New-fangled COVID-19 Variant, Eris, Might be the One to Lookout in 2023 or far from Over.

ABSTRACT

Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease brought on by the extremely pathogenic and contagious severe acute respiratory syndrome-virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). The agenda for the COVID-19 pandemic is dynamic and includes recent developments. Seven variants under monitoring (VUMs), one variant of interest (VOI), XBB.1.5, and their offspring lineages are currently being actively monitored by WHO. The VUMs are BA.2.75, CH.1.1, BQ.1, XBB (with the exception of XBB.1.5, XBB.1.16, and XBB.1.9.1), XBF, and XBB.1.16. With 95 countries having reported finding XBB.1.5 (VOI), it is still the most common strain worldwide, responsible for 47.9% of cases from epidemiological January to March 2023. Seventy nations discovered XBB.1.5 in February and March 2023 and posted sequencing data to GISAID. Of the 43 nations that uploaded more than 50 sequences, XBB.1.5 prevalence has increased to more than 50% in 11 nations. Over 23000 deaths and 3 million new cases were recorded globally in March and April 2023. Worldwide detection of a new COVID-19 strain has prompted specialists to issue a warning that the virus is "circulating unchecked". The Greek goddess of conflict and discord Eris has inspired the nicknaming of EG 5.1, a subvariant of Omicron. The strain is becoming more prevalent in the USA and cases are increasing in the UK. The severity of each SARS-CoV- 2 variant has been comparable, although a more severe form might develop. Eris is an ancestor of Omicron and exhibits some of its characteristics. Reinfection risk can be influenced by a variety of variables, including age, location, and health equity and the COVID-19 vaccine is more or less effective depending on the strain.