Headache and runny nose.. Egyptian health reveals symptoms of new corona strain

While the new corona variant “EG5” continues to raise global concern, the Egyptian Ministry of Health released details regarding the new variant and its symptoms a few days ago.

The official spokesperson of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Hosam Abdel Ghafar, said that the World Health Organization is currently monitoring several strains of the Covid-19 virus, including 3 strains of interest (XBB.1.16, XBB.1.5, EG. 5), and six strains classified as of interest. On a global scale, “XBB.1.16” is the most prevalent variant, reported from a total of 101 countries since its emergence, and has a prevalence of 25.2%. All other categories on the 29th of the pandemic week from 17th to 23rd July 2023.

Heat and pain when swallowing

For his part, Dr. Hossam Hosni, head of the Scientific Committee to Fight Corona at the Egyptian Ministry of Health, revealed details about the new mutant and its symptoms.

He told “Mujaz Masr.net” that the new variant is characterized by rapid spread and affects only the upper respiratory tract, and its symptoms include an increase in temperature, body and throat pain, weakness, rash, persistent cough, and pain. When swallowing or talking, as well as runny nose and headache.

He said the new variant is more widespread, but is not as strong and does not burden victims as much.

Epidemiological situation

Ministry of Health spokesperson Hossam Abdel Ghafar confirmed that the ministry is following the epidemiological situation of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, through a robust surveillance system that includes routine monitoring of acute respiratory illnesses for patients attending outpatient clinics. Through selected sites for hospitalization and surveillance of acute respiratory and flu-like illnesses.

He said the genome sequence of laboratory-confirmed samples of Covid-19 is being continuously analyzed at central public health laboratories to track the emergence of new mutants.