Manitoba virologist discusses EG.5, new COVID-19 strain
The emerging COVID-19 variant, known as EG.5, has been detected in Manitoba and may eventually become the dominant strain.
Last week, the World Health Organization classified EG.5 as a variant of interest, but said it does not seem to pose more of a threat to public health than other variants.
According to virologist Jason Kindrachuk, this strain is an Omicron subvariant that doesn’t deviate much from what we’ve already seen.
“So far what we’ve seen is really no indication that there’s an increase in severity of disease,” said Kindrachuk, who is also an associate professor of medical microbiology and infectious diseases at the University of Manitoba.
“There looks to be some additional immune evasion, which continues to be a concern for us.”
Kindrachuk said that EG.5 is increasing in prevalence and overtaking previous Omicron sub-variants. He added there are many indications that it will become the dominant strain.
“That’s one of the unfortunate realities we’re seeing with these subvariants is that every time there’s an additional mutation, it gives a little bit of a fitness advantage, it will eventually overtake what’s already circulating,” he explained.
UPTICK IN COVID CASES?
As for whether there’s been a recent uptick in COVID cases, Kindrachuk said some people are still contracting COVID, as well as other respiratory illnesses.
He said most people have resumed their pre-pandemic ways of life and are coming together in groups, which allows any respiratory illness to spread.
“We’re not as strongly testing for COVID anymore,” he added.
“I think the question becomes, is it all COVID? Is it other things that are resembling COVID? I think that’s the real question.”
To avoid an increase in cases of the flu, RSV and COVID this fall, Kindrachuk recommends staying home when you or a family member are sick.
“We’ve got to try and keep people away from interacting with others if they’re sick,” he said.
“We know these diseases will get to those that are most vulnerable. We know that they will have a disproportionate impact on those populations, so let’s do our jurisprudence.”
- With files from CTV’s Rachel Lagace and Charles Lefebvre.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
$500K-worth of elvers seized at Toronto airport
Fishery and border service officers seized more than 100 kilograms of unauthorized elvers at the Toronto Pearson International Airport on Wednesday.
Conservatives, NDP should be 'celebrating' EV deals: industry minister
Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne says federal opposition parties should be 'celebrating' the recently announced electric vehicle deals, despite their criticisms the Liberals refuse to make public the terms and conditions laid out in the contracts.
Banking mogul suing government after intelligence leaks leave him shut out of Canadian economy
Chinese Canadian banking mogul Shenglin Xian has launched a $300 million lawsuit against the federal government. It’s a means to find the source of intelligence leaks which Xian says has cost him his livelihood.
His SUV was stolen on Montreal's South Shore. Then he got a $156 parking ticket
A couple is frustrated after their SUV was stolen from Montreal's South Shore in March and they received a parking ticket for the same vehicle last week.
Jesus is their saviour, Trump is their candidate. Ex-president's backers say he shares faith, values
As Donald Trump increasingly infuses his campaign with Christian trappings while coasting to a third Republican presidential nomination, his support is as strong as ever among evangelicals and other conservative Christians.
Box tree moths have infested Ontario and experts say more are coming. Here's what to do to protect your garden
An invasive moth species is on the rise in Canada and, if you've planted a certain shrub, it could stand to ruin your garden.
VIA Rail service delayed for hours due to suspicious package investigation in Kingston, Ont.
VIA Rail service resumed in the Kingston, Ont. area late Saturday afternoon, after a suspicious package investigation halted train service for more than four hours over the Victoria Day long weekend.
Woman with liver failure rejected for a transplant after medical review highlights alcohol use
For nearly three months, Amanda Huska has been in an Ontario hospital, part of it on life support, because of severe liver failure. Her history of alcohol use is getting in the way of her only potential treatment: a liver transplant.
To plant or not to plant? Gardening tips for May long weekend
May long weekend is finally here, and with the extra time off you may be getting the itch to head out to your garden and plant. However, the old debate whether you should plant now, or wait, is still ever-present.