Health experts have moved to allay fears around the new Covid-19 variant, EG.5 or Eris.
On Wednesday, the first case of the new variant was confirmed in South Africa. Department spokesperson, Foster Mohale, confirmed to the publication that the first sample taken in Gauteng tested positive for the new strain.
However, speaking to EWN, Professor Ramneek Ahluwalia of Higher Health said there is no need to panic.
He said the current data, which has been sourced from North America and China, does not show any signs of this variant being more contagious or lethal compared to previous variants.
“The EG.5 is a sub-variant of Omicron, which caused the fourth wave in SA. Omicron has been mutating quite rapidly, forming different types of sub-variants,” he explained.
Ahluwalia stated that at this moment there is no need to panic as it is not highly infectious.
“People living with comorbidities like hypertension, diabetes, and cancer or who are older need to be careful,” he said.
Ahluwalia added that while there are people in the hospital, there is early treatment.
He said other countries have shown an increase in hospitalizations, such as China and America; however, there has not been an increase in deaths.
This, Ahluwalia said, shows that mechanisms set in place since Covid-19 have worked and are still working.
He urged communities to continue taking vaccines, as they hold immunity against the sub-variants.
He further urged the elderly and those with comorbidities to seek medical advice if they show any symptoms.
-IOL
In other news – Video of Pearl Thusi clubbing in Zimbabwe surfaces
Following a week of serious criticism towards well-known Mzansi media personality, Pearl Thusi over trip to Zimbabwe, a clip of her having a great time in the club that side has surfaced. Clearly, she has been living it up during her state visit.
The bubbly influencer jetted into the country alongside several media influencers and journalists across Africa who were being hosted by the Zimbabwean government. Read More
