New case of Omicron subvariant confirmed in Brazil

A case of the new Omicron subvariant of the coronavirus—EG.5.1, or Eris—was confirmed for the first time in the Brazilian capital on Wednesday (Aug. 30). The patient is a baby who was examined on August 11 with respiratory symptoms. After being hospitalized and treated, the girl was discharged on August 14.

According to the Federal District Health Department, no indication exists that the subvariant is more lethal or more contagious than Omicron. Thus far, reports list symptoms similar to those caused by the original Omicron: fever, headache, body pain, sore throat, and runny nose.

Ethel Maciel, secretary at the Ministry of Health, says the surge in cases over the next few months is expected because mutations in the subvariant can cause reinfection with the disease.

“The population must be fully vaccinated, especially those at risk, such as the elderly and those with comorbidities, as immunization reduces the likelihood of serious cases and deaths,” she stated.

Derived from Omicron, the EG.5.1 subvariant has been circulating around the world since February this year, confirmed in over 50 countries. In Brazil, the first case was reported in São Paulo state on August 17. Also on Wednesday (30), the Rio de Janeiro Municipal Health Department confirmed the first case of the subvariant in the city in a 46-year-old male patient.