The Saudi Ministry of Health assures that the EG.5 coronavirus variant does not warrant extra health precautions, as it has shown no significant impact on disease severity or rates.

Addressing concerns about this new mutant strain, an official source from the ministry stated, "EG.5 isn't causing heightened concerns in terms of disease severity."

Continuously monitoring COVID-19's genetic evolution, the ministry is actively tracking multiple sub-mutants of Omicron, including the EG.5 variant, through the laboratories of the Public Health Authority (Weqaya).

A descendant of Omicron, the EG.5 or Eris variant is currently the most prevalent sub-variant, infecting more individuals than any other strain. While initial reports hint at potentially higher transmissibility, there's no indication of increased disease severity. EG.5 has even surpassed the XBB.1.16 sub-variant, which was notably contagious just a few months back.

Dominating the coronavirus landscape, the EG.5 variant holds the status of the most prevalent strain in the United States. As of August 18, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that EG.5 was accountable for 20.6% of new infections.