A new variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, known as NB.1.8.1, has emerged in China and recently appeared in the US, sparking concerns among public health experts. The World Health Organization has designated it as a “variant under monitoring.”
According to data from GISAID, the first cases of NB.1.8.1 were reported in travelers from China in April. The variant is now dominant in China, contributing to spikes in emergency room visits and hospitalizations.
In the US, cases have been detected at several airports, including California, Hawaii, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, Virginia, and Washington. However, only a few cases have been reported so far, and it’s unclear how widespread the variant will become.
Public health experts warn that NB.1.8.1 is still part of the Omicron family and is likely to be affected by current vaccines and immunity from recent infections. However, the US Food and Drug Administration’s expert vaccine committee is considering updating the vaccine for the fall and winter respiratory disease season to target this variant.
Symptoms of NB.1.8.1 are similar to those of other COVID-19 strains, including sore throat, fever, cough, and fatigue. The variant may be more contagious due to genetic changes that allow it to infect cells more efficiently. To protect against the new variant, vaccination remains the best course of action, especially for people at higher risk of severe disease.
However, some groups may face challenges in accessing vaccines, as US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced that the CDC will no longer recommend a yearly shot for healthy children and pregnant women. This change may impact insurers’ coverage and leave individuals with out-of-pocket costs to pay for vaccinations.
Source: https://time.com/7289133/new-covid-variant-nb-181