The Kuwait detects the new variant of the Coronavirus and confirms: Expected and not worrisome

Kuwait’s Ministry of Health has announced the detection of a case of the Epsilon variant, which is considered a subvariant of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus.

Archival... The new variant is considered a strain of the Omicron variant substitute Image Source: Reuters

The Epsilon variant is currently being observed in approximately 50 countries worldwide.

According to the preliminary scientific data, there is no evidence suggesting that the new variant is more dangerous than previously detected variants. However, there is a noticeable rapid spread of the Epsilon variant in certain regions across the globe.

The ministry’s statement highlighted the stability of the evaluation indicators regarding the health and clinical situation within the country.

The ministry emphasized that the emergence of such variants is expected and should not cause alarm, as mutations are a fundamental characteristic of viruses.

The statement urged individuals to avoid contact with others in case of any respiratory infection symptoms or signs.

It also highlighted the importance of completing relevant seasonal vaccinations for infectious respiratory diseases particularly for high-risk individuals.

Additionally healthcare practitioners and visitors to healthcare institutions were reminded to adhere to preventive measures.

What Do We Know About the New Variant of the Coronavirus?

The Epsilon variant was initially identified in China in February of last year, with the first detection in the United States occurring in April.

This strain is considered a subvariant of the “Omicron alternative” strain known as XBB.1.9.2. However, it features a significant mutation that aids its evasion from the immune system’s antibodies developed in response to previous variants and vaccines.

This new variant has become predominant in various parts of the world and is a major contributing factor to the surge in COVID-19 cases.

On July 19th, the World Health Organization added the EG.5 variant to its current list of monitored circulating strains.

According to the organization’s data the vaccines proven effective against the “Omicron” variant are expected to provide a high degree of protection against this new subvariant.