EG.5 is a recent variant of COVID-19 which is circulating throughout the U.S. and has made its way to the Commonwealth.
Rowan health officials said cases of the new variant are showing up all over the county. EG.5 is a stronger variant of the virus that originates from the omicron variant. Officials said the Gateway District Health Department has seen a significant uptick in cases involving the new strain. The Gateway area has seen 458 cases, 219 of which have come from Rowan County.
Nurse practitioner Jessica Lykins is the Director of Nursing for Gateway District Health Department, she said those infected have reported symptoms including fever, chills, sore throat, muscle pains and other flu like symptoms.
“Eris or EG.5 it is shown that it is a little bit more severe and it is both more contagious as well,” said Lykins.
The nurse practitioner said though many people complain of COVID fatigue, they should still be vigilant.
“Rowan county citizens, or the surrounding area, I mean really and truthfully, you need to be alert that COVID is going back up. You need to be aware that the severity, for those who are exposed, it can really take a toll on their body,” said Lykins.
Lykins also said that the cough symptom is not the main identifier for the EG.5 variant.
“The cough is there, but it’s just not one of those first signs and symptoms that people are seeing. What we have had reported in to us is that the first few hallmark symptoms are the fever, the sore throat, the muscle aches and then the cough and other flu like symptoms are shortly following,” said Lykins.
Health officials are recommending COVID booster vaccines and the flu vaccine as fall approaches.