SARS-CoV-2 variants for Japan
Here's the latest variant picture for Japan, showing the most common individual lineages. EG.5.1 (18%) is showing strong growth - it appears to be driving the current surge in hospitalisations.
EG is an alias for XBB.1.9.2.1, from the "Hyperion" clan. Along with several prior generations of mutations, EG.5 added the Spike F456L mutation, then EG.5.1 itself added the Spike Q52H mutation.
EG.5 was the first lineage mentioned last month's edition of the Neher Lab's variant report:
https://github.com/neherlab/SARS-CoV-2_variant-reports/blob/main/reports/variant_report_latest_draft.md
EG.5 was recently designated a "Variant Under Monitoring" (VUM) by the WHO.
https://www.who.int/activities/tracking-SARS-CoV-2-variants
The sample volumes seem representative up to June 30.
