DOHA: Dr Hamad Al Rumaihi, the Director of the Health Protection and Communicable Disease Control Department at the Ministry of Public Health, shed light on the appearance of a novel COVID-19 variant known as EG.5 within Qatar. Speaking during an interview on Qatar TV's 'Our Life' program, Dr Al Rumaihi underscored that the incidence of this new mutant remains limited in the country.
Assuring the public, Dr Al Rumaihi emphasized that Qatar's health epidemiological landscape remains stable. He pointed out that the ministry is closely monitoring a range of key indicators and bolstering its surveillance efforts in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO). The ministry is also actively engaged in sequencing the genetic makeup of the virus and sharing its findings with the global health body.
In terms of health outcomes, Dr Al Rumaihi noted that the frequency of hospitalizations remains unchanged. Indicators including hospital admissions, intensive care placements, and fatalities are all encouraging, suggesting a mild severity profile for this variant akin to the Omicron strain.
Discussing symptoms, Dr Al Rumaihi outlined signs such as fever above 38 degrees Celsius, headaches, body aches, loss of smell and taste, as well as a runny nose and sore throat.
Offering guidance to those suspecting infection, he recommended individuals undergo a COVID-19 test. This could involve using an available at-home testing kit or visiting a local health centre to ascertain their health status. If infected, individuals are advised to rest and isolate during the course of their illness.
MoPH on Thursday disclosed the identification of limited cases involving the EG.5 sub-mutant of COVID-19 within Qatar. Notably, these cases have manifested as mild and have not necessitated hospitalization at this point.
Issuing a statement, the ministry assured the public of its vigilant stance in monitoring the evolving epidemiological landscape, particularly concerning new variants of the Coronavirus.