How Deadly is Eris, the new COVID variant spreading in the UK?

-A novel COVID-19 variant, known as Eris, has surfaced in the United Kingdom, triggering rapid transmission and igniting apprehensions reminiscent of the past pandemic challenges. Referred to interchangeably as EG.5.1, this variant currently contributes to approximately 14% of newly reported cases.

Dubbed after the Greek deity of discord and strife, Eris marks a new addition to the lineage of COVID-19 variants. Emanating from the Omicron variant, it has demonstrated an accelerated rate of spread. When juxtaposed with other strains, Eris exhibits pronounced growth patterns, highlighting its distinctive characteristics within the evolving landscape of viral mutations.