The COVID-19 omicron subvariant EG.5 – unofficially nicknamed “eris” – was responsible for about 1 in 4 new coronavirus infections in recent weeks, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
It’s the highest prevalence for any coronavirus strain, though omicron subvariant FL.1.5.1 is quickly rising behind it, according to CDC data.
While the variant scene continues to shift in the U.S., the CDC on Thursday released its respiratory disease season outlook for COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV.
There is also a possibility that hospitalizations will surpass last year’s level and cause strain on health care facilities should a new coronavirus variant arise.
COVID-19 by itself is unlikely to cause large waves of severe disease and hospitalizations because of widespread immunity to the coronavirus from prior infections, vaccinations or both, according to the CDC.
Persons:
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Organizations:
subvariant EG, Centers for Disease Control, CDC
Locations:
U.S