A new strain of COVID-19, designated as NB.1.8.1 by the World Health Organization (WHO), has been detected in Washington state for the first time. The case was identified through a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) surveillance program at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
The variant has been linked to a recent spike in COVID-19 cases in China, sparking concerns about its potential spread in the US. However, early indications suggest that it may not pose a significant threat to public health.
According to WHO, NB.1.8.1 accounts for 10.7% of COVID-19 samples obtained over the week ending April 27. The frequency of cases quadrupled during April, but health officials say there is no evidence to suggest it is more dangerous than existing variants.
COVID vaccines are effective in protecting against severe illness caused by NB.8.1, according to WHO’s latest report. However, more data is needed to fully understand the variant’s impact on public health.
The Washington state Department of Health has noted that the case was detected through a CDC program and does not necessarily mean the person who tested positive is a Washington resident. COVID-19 cases in Washington have fallen so far this year, with 399 deaths reported, which is less than half of the number seen at this point last year.
The detection of NB.1.8.1 in Washington state highlights the ongoing need for vigilance and monitoring of new variants.
Source: https://www.bellinghamherald.com/news/state/washington/article307563061.html