The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has detected multiple cases of a new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, linked to a surge in China. The cases were reported among international travelers arriving at airports in California, Washington state, Virginia, and the New York City area.
Details on the sequencing results show that the cases come from travelers from various countries, including Japan, South Korea, France, Thailand, and Vietnam. Cases have also been reported by health authorities in other states, including Ohio, Rhode Island, and Hawaii.
Experts say that the variant is dominant in China and is on the rise in parts of Asia. Hong Kong authorities report a significant increase in COVID-19 cases and emergency room visits, urging residents to mask in public places.
Preliminary data suggests the NB.1.8.1 variant has a greater ability to bind to human cells, making it potentially more transmissible. Researchers in China believe that this strain is not better at evading the immune system compared to other strains.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is considering updating COVID-19 vaccines for the fall and winter seasons, with Pfizer and Moderna proposing targeting a different JN.1 variant called LP.8.1. The FDA has recommended recommending that next season’s vaccines target some kind of JN.1 variant.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/us-reports-cases-new-covid-variant-nb-1-8-1-behind-surge-china