COVID-19 is making a comeback? The first 10 cases of the "Eris" strain have been recorded in Ukraine: what makes it dangerous

A new strain of coronavirus, Eris, is spreading across Ukraine, which is a subspecies of the well-known Omicron. Patients with the new strain have been reported in six regions of the country: Dnipro, Zakarpattia, Sumy, Khmelnytskyi, Ternopil, and Chernivtsi regions.

This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine on Facebook. It is noted that 10 cases of the Eris subspecies of the COVID-19 strain have already been detected.

"Eris" is a variant of the SARS-CoV-2 "Omicron" coronavirus strain that causes COVID-19. Currently, there are about 14 different strains of the virus circulating in Ukraine around Omicron. In each region, experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are taking samples to test the strains and study emerging mutations," the statement said.

According to the Ministry of Health, the symptoms of Eris are the same as those of other known strains of COVID-19. These include a sore throat, runny nose, shortness of breath, body aches, headache, and fever.

The specific difference of Eris is an additional mutation of the spike protein, which is more likely to affect weakened immune systems. However, according to the World Health Organization, the global public health risk from this strain is estimated to be low.

The Ministry of Health emphasized that the basis of protection against severe COVID-19 is a course of three vaccinations: two doses of primary vaccination and a booster vaccination five months after the second dose.

An additional booster can be obtained after consultation with a family doctor or at a vaccination center.

The Ministry emphasized that vaccination against COVID-19 remains free of charge in Ukraine.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, a gradual increase in the incidence of COVID-19 has begun in Ukraine. It is predicted that at the end of this epidemiological season, the Pirola strain will prevail in our country, which is now actively replacing Omicron in Europe and the United States.

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