Toronto, Ontario (CTV Network) — A new COVID-19 variant has emerged, serving as a reminder that the coronavirus continues to mutate and spread around the world, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. The variant is called EG.5 and is a descendant of Omicron. The World Health Organization (WHO) added EG.5 to its list of currently circulating variants that are under monitoring on July 19. The latest data from the UK Health Security Agency suggests that EG.5 makes up approximately 14.6% — or one in seven — of all COVID-19 cases in the U.K. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that EG.5 accounted for roughly 17.3% — or one in six — of new COVID-19 cases in the U.S. in the past two weeks.

Source: CNN August 09, 2023 20:28 UTC