The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified multiple cases of the new COVID-19 variant NB.1.8.1 in the United States, despite initial concerns that it wouldn’t be reported due to low numbers.
According to a CDC spokesperson, there have been fewer than 20 confirmed cases of NB.1.8.1 in US baseline surveillance data, which is below the agency’s threshold for inclusion on its COVID Data Tracker dashboard. However, the CDC continues to monitor all SARS-CoV-2 sequences and will update the tracker if the variant becomes more prevalent.
The new variant was first detected through the CDC’s airport screening program, but this has not been officially confirmed by the agency. The CDC has reported a low number of emergency room visits for COVID-19 and flu-like illnesses, with only South Dakota experiencing high levels of viral activity.
In China and Hong Kong, where the variant is more widespread, authorities have taken precautions to control its spread. Hong Kong authorities recently urged the public to wear surgical masks, particularly those at high risk, but noted that there’s no evidence suggesting NB.1.8.1 is more severe than other COVID-19 variants.
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/health/us-sees-cases-new-covid-19-variant-linked-surge-china-report