EG.5, a fast-spreading subvariant of COVID-19, is now circulating in Canada, sparking international concern among health officials. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified EG.5 as a “variant of interest,” although Health Canada has not listed it as such.
While EG.5 has gained momentum in countries like Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and China, experts and the WHO believe it does not pose a significantly higher risk to public health compared to other variants. The WHO stated that the global public health risk posed by EG.5 is low, similar to XBB.1.16 and other circulating variants.
Gerald Evans, chair of infectious disease at Queen’s University, explained that EG.5 grows at a faster rate than other variants and is likely to become the dominant subvariant in the upcoming months. However, there is no evidence to suggest that it causes more severe illness or hospitalizations.
EG.5 is a descendant of the XBB Omicron strains and has an extra spike mutation. It is given a different name, EG.5, to simplify its designation. However, this shorthand can lead to misconceptions that it is a completely new variant.
EG.5 was first reported by the WHO in February 2023 and designated as a variant under monitoring (VUM) on July 19. Its prevalence has been steadily increasing globally, with China, the U.S., South Korea, Japan, and Canada having the highest proportions of EG.5 sequences.
In Canada, EG.5 has been circulating since May, with the prevalent lineage, EG.5.1, predicted to be present in approximately 19% of cases from July 30 to Aug. 5. There is a second EG.5 lineage, EG.5.1.1, predicted to be circulating at around 17% during the same time period. A total of 36 detections of EG.5 have been reported in Canadian wastewater from May 15 to July 21.
EG.5.1 is experiencing a higher weekly growth rate in Ontario compared to the prevailing Omicron subvariant (XBB.1.5). The percentage of EG.5.1 in Ontario has been steadily increasing, reaching 12.7% between July 9 and July 15, with further predicted surges to 35% by Aug. 2.
In the U.S., EG.5 has become the most dominant strain. While EG.5 has shown increased prevalence and growth advantage, there have been no reported changes in disease severity. However, due to its growth advantage and immune escape properties, EG.5 may cause a rise in case incidence and become dominant globally.
Regarding symptoms, it is still too early to determine if EG.5 causes different symptoms compared to other variants. Early indications suggest that the symptoms are similar to previous SARS-CoV-2 infections, including fever, cough, fatigue, muscle aches, and headaches.
Canadian health officials are actively monitoring and evaluating EG.5 lineages for any changes in disease severity, spread, or impact on diagnostic tests, vaccines, or treatments. The concern lies in whether EG.5 can evade the protection provided by previous vaccinations and infections. While hybrid immunity offers good levels of protection against severe illness and hospitalizations, it may not prevent infection.
To minimize the spread of COVID-19, it is crucial to stay up to date with vaccinations, continue regular testing, wear masks when possible, and practice preventive measures like frequent handwashing. The fall may see an increase in cases, especially when schools reopen and transmission occurs among children who may transmit the virus to vulnerable populations.
If eligible, individuals should consider getting a COVID-19 booster shot. Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends a booster if it has been at least six months since the last vaccine dose or infection. Updated vaccine formulations may be available in the coming months.
In conclusion, while EG.5 is a concerning subvariant, there is currently no evidence to suggest that it causes more severe illness. Continued vigilance and adherence to preventive measures, along with boosters, will help mitigate the potential impact of EG.5.
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