A recent addition to the spectrum of COVID-19 variants, HV.1, has emerged in the United States. Although initially documented in limited numbers during the summer by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it now accounts for approximately 25% of new coronavirus cases in the country as of late October.
HV.1 is classified as a subvariant of omicron, akin to all other strains currently in circulation. It is a descendant of EG.5, the second most prevalent variant in the U.S., comprising nearly 22% of new cases, according to CDC estimates.
Health authorities approach this latest variant with caution, refraining from sounding alarms as it closely mirrors EG.5, also known as "eris." Notably, the World Health Organization (WHO) does not differentiate between the two in its estimates. Globally, eris is the predominant strain, representing approximately 46% of cases as of late October, according to WHO. This estimate includes cases from HV.1 and another similar strain, HK.5.
While HV.1 does not appear to cause more severe disease, it is expected to share the heightened transmissibility observed with eris. The increase in cases raises the possibility of more variants with additional mutations.
Expressing concern about the multitude of mutations, Dr. Perry N. Halkitis, the dean of Rutgers School of Public Health, suggests that certain versions of the virus might become more evasive to existing immunity.
Despite its similarities to EG.5, the updated coronavirus vaccines are anticipated to be effective against HV.1. However, the efficacy of the vaccines is hindered by low uptake, with only around 7% of U.S. adults and 2% of children receiving the new COVID-19 vaccines in the first month of availability, according to national survey data.
Vaccine fatigue, hesitancy, and a lack of urgency contribute to the low vaccine uptake. Nearly 38% of surveyed adults and parents indicate that they probably or definitely won't get the shot for themselves or their children.
Although COVID-19 weekly hospital admissions have been on the decline or stagnant for nearly two months, numbers remain elevated, with over 15,700 new admissions in the last full week of October—more than double the summer's low in June.
With winter approaching, experts anticipate an increase in COVID-19 infections as cold temperatures drive people indoors. The CDC forecasts a "moderate" COVID-19 wave in its respiratory disease season outlook, acknowledging the emergence of variants but stating that they have not led to rapid disease surges.
Experts anticipate the U.S. variants evolving as the virus spreads and adapts, underscoring the significance of vaccination to mitigate both the spread and mutation of the virus.