EG.5: The Dominant and Concerning New Covid Variant in the U.S.

The EG.5 "Eris" variant, a subvariant of the Omicron lineage, is currently dominating COVID-19 cases in the U.S. and has been found in over 50 countries. While classified as a "variant of interest" by the World Health Organization (WHO), there is currently no evidence of increased disease severity associated with EG.5. COVID-19 hospitalizations have increased by over 40% from recent lows, but remain significantly below peak levels. Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax have developed new versions of their vaccines to target another Omicron sublineage, XBB.1.5, which is similar to EG.5. These updated vaccines are expected to be widely available in the U.S. by the third or fourth week of September.