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08/30/2023
Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz)
The Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC/Fiocruz), through the Laboratory of Respiratory, Exanthematic, Enterovirus and Viral Emergencies, confirms the identification, through the genetic sequencing technique, of the EG.5 strain of the Omicron variant in a patient sample collected In Rio de Janeiro city. According to the protocol of the national reference service in respiratory viruses, the result of the analysis was immediately reported to the Municipal Health Department of Rio de Janeiro.
So far, there are four cases in the country, two in São Paulo, one in Rio de Janeiro and another in Brasília (newly identified by Lacen-DF), according to information available on the international genome platform Gisaid. The IOC/Fiocruz Laboratory acts as curator of the initiative.
In all, in South America, around 40 cases of the subvariant were identified (Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil and Trinidad Tobago).
The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the EG.5 strain as a “variant of interest”, due to a mutation found in the Spike protein and the rapid increase in cases in European countries, the United States and China. However, currently available evidence does not suggest that EG.5 poses additional public health risks relative to other Omicron descendant strains.
In addition, it is worth, again, to reinforce the importance of vaccination. Immunization, including booster doses, is still the best way to protect against severe cases of the disease.
The vaccine against Covid-19 is available free of charge at health centers and serves as protection in case of resumption of virus growth.
Fiocruz identifica linhagem EG.5 do coronavírus pela primeira vez no Rio de Janeiro
30/08/2023
08/30/2023
Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz)
The Oswaldo Cruz Institute (IOC/Fiocruz), through the Laboratory of Respiratory, Exanthematic, Enterovirus and Viral Emergencies, confirms the identification, through the genetic sequencing technique, of the EG.5 strain of the Omicron variant in a patient sample collected In Rio de Janeiro city. According to the protocol of the national reference service in respiratory viruses, the result of the analysis was immediately reported to the Municipal Health Department of Rio de Janeiro.
So far, there are four cases in the country, two in São Paulo, one in Rio de Janeiro and another in Brasília (newly identified by Lacen-DF), according to information available on the international genome platform Gisaid. The IOC/Fiocruz Laboratory acts as curator of the initiative.
In all, in South America, around 40 cases of the subvariant were identified (Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil and Trinidad Tobago).
The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the EG.5 strain as a “variant of interest”, due to a mutation found in the Spike protein and the rapid increase in cases in European countries, the United States and China. However, currently available evidence does not suggest that EG.5 poses additional public health risks relative to other Omicron descendant strains.
In addition, it is worth, again, to reinforce the importance of vaccination. Immunization, including booster doses, is still the best way to protect against severe cases of the disease.
The vaccine against Covid-19 is available free of charge at health centers and serves as protection in case of resumption of virus growth.
Fiocruz identifica linhagem EG.5 do coronavírus pela primeira vez no Rio de Janeiro
30/08/2023