Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) announced it had detected a limited number of cases of a new sub-mutant of the coronavirus (Covid-19) called ‘EG.5’ in the country.

The MoPH explained that the registered cases were simple in nature and did not lead to hospitalization of those affected.

The ministry said it was closely monitoring the epidemiological situation regarding the new variant.

Ministry of Public Health Monitoring New COVID-19 Variants and Announces detecting New Cases of the New Variant (EG.5)​​.
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— وزارة الصحة العامة (@MOPHQatar) August 31, 2023

Earlier this month, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced the detection of the new sub-mutant. So far, it has been reported in more than 50 countries, including in the Gulf region.

In addition to EG.5 variant, another mutation — BA.2.86 — has also been reported in countries including the USA, Great Britain, and Denmark. Though the variant contains multiple genetic variations from the previous virus, it hasn’t been found to be spreading rapidly.

The MoPH said it was continuing to monitor the situation and examining samples for the two new mutants. It also stressed the importance of individuals, who are at risk of severe infection, following standard precautionary measures including wearing a mask in crowded places, cleaning hands regularly, and leaving a safe distance between people.

People who exhibit COVID-19-like symptoms — fever with a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or higher, chills, fatigue and body aches, cough with chest pain, and shortness of breath — are advised to seek medical evaluation and start a possible treatment protocol.

According to WHO, there is no evidence that the two new sub-mutants cause more severe symptoms and illness than the Omicron mutant or other existing variants.

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