EG.5.1 – the latest coronavirus sub-variant – has been in India since May this year, a TOI report said. The new Covid variant, which is being seen as the reason behind the latest spike in coronavirus infections in the UK, was detected in Maharashtra in the month of May, the report added. Though this variant has not sparked major health concerns in India as the health department has not registered any marked spike in new Covid infections. However, a health alert has been sounded in the UK after a recent spike in Covid cases. Officially recognised as a sub-variant of Omicron on July 31st, it is being referred as ‘Eris’ in general usage.
Data from the state health department states that the number of active Covid-19 cases has increased from 70 to 115 between the end of July and August 6, respectively. The data also states that the maximum active Covid cases are in Maharashtra followed by Pune at 34 and Thane at 25.
It was on July 31 that the surge was officially associated with the subvariant. One active has been identified each in Raigad, Sangali, Solapur, Satara and Palghar. However, this cannot be immediately termed as an ‘increase’ and the situation needs to be monitored for a week before conclusion.
There is an increase in patients with flu-like symptoms who have turned positive for the viruses like rhinovirus, influenza, H1N1, H3N2 and Covid. The patients have symptoms that are indicative of dengue and have also tested positive for dengue. While one covid death has been reported, there have been over 10 Covid cases and mostly they were mild. Three patients were admitted into ICU who were either elderly or had severe comorbidities.
