USA: Given the continuing surge in Covid-19 hospitalisations across the United States, showing dominance of its new variant Eris (EG.5), the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has started advising people in the most affected regions to use masks to help avoid rapid spread of the virus.
As per CDC data, Covid-related hospital admissions have been surging in the US for the sixth consecutive week, with an alarming 19 percent increase during the week ending August 19.
Data reveals a concerning trend in Covid-19 statistics as at the beginning of June, the weekly positivity rate for tests was a modest 4 percent. However, this figure has since surged, now exceeding 13.4 percent. In a region encompassing Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, and New Mexico, the most recent positivity rate has reached a worrying 18 percent, according to the CDC.
Dr Jennifer Horney, Director of the Epidemiology Programme at the University of Delaware in Newark, suggests that, given the rising Covid-19 infections and the increased risk of contracting other respiratory viruses like influenza and RSV during colder months, individuals should consider wearing high-quality masks in crowded indoor settings.
Dr Horney emphasises that mask-wearing may be particularly beneficial now, as updated vaccines with enhanced protection against newer, more transmissible omicron subvariants, such as EG.5, are not expected until after the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices convenes on September 12, as per the Federal Register.
While research indicates that vaccinated individuals can still transmit Covid-19, those with up-to-date vaccinations are more resilient against severe illness.
Eris - The Dominant Variant
A new variant known as "Eris" (EG.5) has become the dominant strain in reported Covid-19 cases in the United States. Just over a month ago, the XBB.1.5 variant was prevalent, but according to the latest data published at the end of August, Eris now accounts for over 20 percent of infections, while XBB.1.5 has declined to less than 5 percent of Covid cases. The EU.1.1 variant, which gained attention earlier this summer, has also diminished.
Eris, a member of the omicron family, is highly transmissible and may contribute to the recent increase in Covid-19 cases and hospitalizations in US. Health authorities are closely monitoring the heavily mutated BA.2.86 variant, nicknamed "Pirola," and emerging iterations of the XBB variant.
As per the latest CDC Covid Data Tracker, for the week ending August 19, Covid19-related hospital admissions increased by 18.8 percent nationwide compared to the previous week, with over 15,000 newly admitted patients.
This marks the sixth consecutive week of rising hospitalisations, although it's important to note that current hospitalisation numbers remain notably lower than last summer's peak when the weekly number had reached nearly 43,000. Emergency room visits have also surged, with the latest CDC tracking data showing a 19.4 percent increase.
Public health officials continue to emphasise the importance of vaccination, masking, and other preventive measures to combat the spread of these evolving Covid-19 variants and alleviate the strain on healthcare systems.