According to WHO data, the worldwide prevalence of the Eris variant was 7.6% in the week of June 19-25, but it has increased considerably in recent weeks, so much so that between June 17 and on July 23 it reached 17.4%.
Thanks to the genomic monitoring of the virus, the variants have been identified.
Added to the appearance of this new variant, also from the Omicron family, it has served to remind us that the virus has not gone away and that monitoring continues, since the SARS-CoV-2 virus already “has us used to its different mutations.” “, as the experts of the genomic analysis group of the National Institute of Health (INS) point out.
According to the entity, the variant of Omicron XBB.1.5. It continues to be the one with the highest circulation in Colombia since February, that is, the one with the highest prevalence in cases of infection by the virus that produces covid-19.
The general director of the INS, Giovanny Rubiano García, explained in a statement that “the most important thing is to remember that regardless of the variant that is in greater circulationthe protection measures that we already know are still effective when we have respiratory symptoms. Likewise, remember to protect our elderly and people with special health conditions and avoid visiting them if we have the flu, wear a face mask, wash our hands frequently and keep our vaccination schedule up to date.”
On the other hand, the National Institute of Health indicated that, so far in 2023, 25,555 cases of people carrying the covid-19 virus have been detected in Colombia, as well as 632 deceased people, mostly adults over 60 years of age, not vaccinated or who did not have their complete vaccination schedules.
Of interest: (Fornax: this is the new subvariant of the covid-19 relative of Eris (EG.5.1))
The Ministry of Health highlights that the average monthly doses applied this year is 149,878, with a downward trend, so the experts reaffirm the need to complete vaccination schemes and continue applying booster doses in the prioritized population.
What are children older than 6 months, pregnant women, adults over 60 years of age, people with comorbidities and human talent in health.
Regarding vaccines, infectious disease doctor Carlos Álvarez assures that All covid-19 vaccines save lives, as they reduce the risk of hospitalization or death.
“It is important to complete schemes from 6 months of age and in the case of the most vulnerable population, that is, those with delicate clinical conditions such as obesity, arterial hypertension, cancer, diabetes and the clinical condition of pregnancy, it is necessary that receive the additional dose to the one we already know,” he said.
