EG.5 Variant Health Risk is Evaluated as Low

The World Health Organization (WHO) today reported a steady increase in the proportion of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus variant EG.5 reported, and based on its characteristics, EG.5 may spread globally & cause a surge in COVID-19 cases.

However, as of August 9, 2023, while EG.5 has shown increased prevalence, growth advantage, and immune escape properties, there have been no reported changes in COVID-19 severity to date.

Based on the available evidence, the public health risk posed by EG.5 is evaluated as low globally, aligning with the risk associated with XBB.1.16 and the other currently circulating variants of interest.

During epidemiological week #29 (17 to July 23, 2023), the global prevalence of EG.5 was 17.4%.

This is a notable rise from the data reported four weeks prior (week 25, 19 to June 25, 2023), when the global prevalence was 7.6%, wrote the WHO.