First case of new Covid-19 variant confirmed in South Africa
The Department of Health has confirmed the first case of the new Covid-19 subvariant EG.5, also known as Eris.
The new variant was found within a sample taken from a patient in Gauteng.
Spokesperson Foster Mohale the variant was detected two months ago.
"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.
"We want to urge the public not to panic but to but remain vigilant at all times, like practicing non-pharmaceutical intervention like maintain hygiene, using sanitisers, water and soap in order to prevent this possible transmission of this variant although this is transmissible but it is not severe like the previous variant."
The World Health Organization (WHO) classified variant Eris, as a variant of interest, and that it should be more closely monitored than others because of mutations that might make it more contagious or severe.
ALSO READ:
