What you need to know about the new Eris COVID-19 variant

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. 

Multiracial people in the city wearing face mask
Multiracial people in the city wearing face mask / iStock

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

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

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

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Image courtesy of iStock/ @william87

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