Explainer: 10 symptoms to watch out for as new 'Eris' Covid variant detected in Ireland
A new variant of Covid-19 - designated EG.5 and named Eris - has been detected in Ireland, according to the HSE.
The variant is a descendant of Omicron and the HSE said that Eris is more transmissible than previous circulating variants and has been associated with outbreaks, including in hospitals in Ireland and elsewhere.
It said there is currently no evidence of increased clinical severity of infection in Ireland with this strain.
The World Health Organization has not designated EG.5 as a variant of concern or a variant of interest, but the lesser rating as a variant under monitoring (VUM).
Eris has become established in the UK and the US. A rise in cases internationally is being driven by several factors, including greater indoor mixing, increased international travel and waning immunity.
Symptoms
The top Eris strain symptoms are:
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Blocked nose
- Sneezing
- Dry cough
- Headache
- Wet cough
- Hoarse voice
- Muscle aches
- Altered smell