ISTANBUL, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- The COVID-19 variant EG. 5, also known as Eris, is transitioning into a typical respiratory infection in Türkiye, local media reported on Friday, citing a specialist.

In a video statement shared by Haberturk Daily, Ates Kara, a member of Türkiye's Coronavirus Scientific Committee, explained that Eris is now manifesting symptoms akin to those of an upper respiratory infection.

"The virus's mutations have diminished its capacity to cause severe illness. Our immune systems have adapted to it," Kara said.

He added that "the virus is now resembling a standard respiratory infection, characterized by symptoms such as a sore throat, nasal congestion, and mild nasal discharge."

While the specialist stressed the generally milder nature of the infection, he noted that Eris might still pose a more severe threat to individuals in high-risk categories, urging citizens to adhere to hygiene guidelines.

"People with a sore throat, sneezing, coughing, and fever should wear a mask and avoid crowded places," he advised, highlighting that such precautions can help curb the spread of Eris.

Türkiye's Health Minister Fahrettin Koca had previously stated that the country is not currently considering a new coronavirus vaccination program.

The first EG.5-related case in the world was reported in February. In early August, the World Health Organization classified the EG. 5 strain of COVID-19 as the "variant of interest" which at this time does not seem to pose more of a threat to public health than other variants. Enditem

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