The Blubber

A new variant of COVID-19 dubbed EG.5 has become dominant in the U.S., according to the CDC.

It is estimated that EG.5, an omicron subvariant, accounted for 17.3% of COVID cases in the U.S. in the two-week period through Aug. 5.

Medical professionals have asserted that EG.5 appears to result in illness of similar severity to earlier strains of the coronavirus. Notably, prominent voices from the White House and Capitol Hill have refrained from issuing strong statements on this matter.

A spokesperson from the CDC conveyed that there is currently no evidence suggesting that EG.5 possesses heightened transmissibility. The existing treatments and vaccines are anticipated to remain effective against this variant.

While the World Health Organization is monitoring EG.5, it has refrained from designating it as a notable variant warranting concern. In contrast, the XBB.1.5 strain, previously dominant in U.S. transmissions, holds the status of a variant of interest.

Globally, Covid-related hospitalizations have generally diminished since the start of this year.

Despite a minor uptick in coronavirus-related hospitalizations during the summer months in the U.S., the Biden administration has upheld an optimistic outlook on overcoming the pandemic. The public health emergency declaration has been lifted, and the White House's Covid coordinator departed earlier this summer.