A new COVID variant, NB.1.8.1, has been detected in Washington state. According to the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data website, a sample taken at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on May 15 showed the presence of this variant.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported low concern over the possibility that this variant causes people to become sicker from COVID-19. Regional medical officer Herbert Duber stated that while health officials should continue to monitor new variants, there is “low concern” about the severity of this particular variant.
Washington state has reported 17,339 deaths due to COVID-19 as of April 13, 2024. The most commonly reported symptoms of the NB.1.8.1 variant include a severe sore throat, mild cough, fever, muscle aches, and congestion.
To protect themselves from COVID-19, including the new variant, individuals are advised to get vaccinated against COVID-19 with currently approved vaccines expected to remain effective. The CDC recommends vaccinations for everyone over six months old, with specific guidance for children under 12 years old and adults over 65.
Key vaccination recommendations include:
* Children 6 months to 4 years: Two doses of the Moderna vaccine or three doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine
* Children between 5-11 years: One dose of the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine
* People 12-64 years old: One dose of the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine
* People over 65 years old: Up-to-date with two doses of any approved COVID-19 vaccine six months apart.
Source: https://eu.kitsapsun.com/story/news/local/washington/2025/06/06/new-covid-variant-detected-washington-symptoms-vaccines-illness/84075649007