Egyptian Health reveals symptoms of the new Corona mutant “EG5”

While the new Corona variant "EG5" is still causing global concern, the Egyptian Ministry of Health revealed a few days ago details related to the new variant and its symptoms.

Dr. Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, the official spokesman for the Ministry of Health, explained that the World Health Organization is currently monitoring many variants of the Covid-19 virus, of which 3 are classified as interesting (XBB.1.16, XBB.1.5, EG.5) and six other variants classified as under surveillance, indicating that globally, XBB.1.16 remains the most prevalent variant.

Noting that globally, "XBB.1.16" remains the highest prevalent variant, with it reported from a total of 101 countries since its emergence. Its prevalence rate is 25.2% among all other variants during the 29th epidemiological week, from July 17 to July 23, 2023.

Heat and pain when swallowing

For his part, Dr. Hossam Hosni, head of the Scientific Committee to Combat Corona at the Egyptian Ministry of Health, revealed details about the new mutant and its symptoms.

He added the new mutant is characterized by rapid spread and affects only the upper respiratory tract, and its symptoms include a rise in temperature, body and throat pain, weakness, cracking, continuous coughing, a feeling of pain when swallowing or talking, as well as a runny nose and headache.

He explants that the new variant is more widespread, but it is not stronger and does not cause more burden on those infected with it.

Epidemiological situation

Dr. Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, spokesman for the Ministry of Health, had previously confirmed that the ministry is following up the epidemiological situation of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, through a strong surveillance system that includes routine monitoring of acute respiratory diseases for cases attending outpatient clinics or hospitalized, and through Sites selected for surveillance of acute respiratory and influenza-like illnesses.

New mutants

He stated that the genetic sequence of laboratory-confirmed samples of Covid-19 disease is being examined in central public health laboratories on an ongoing basis, to follow up on the emergence of new mutants.

In related context, The EG.5 mutant has been found in more than 50 countries, including: “China, the United States, Japan, Korea, Canada, France and Spain,” in which the new Corona mutant has spread.

The global prevalence of the EG.5 variant was 17.4% among all other variants during the 29th epidemiological week from 17 to 23 July 2023.