Washington state has identified 14 cases of the NB.1.8.1 COVID-19 variant through genetic sequencing, according to the state Department of Health. The earliest sample was collected on April 7 and the most recent on May 20.
One case was detected in a traveler at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport after they voluntarily provided a nasal swab for the CDC’s variant tracking program. Thirteen other cases came from Ginkgo Bioworks, which screens travelers at Sea-Tac airport for the CDC.
Health officials say the public risk remains low despite the rising spread of NB.1.8.1, which has been flagged by the World Health Organization as a variant under monitoring. Current vaccines are still expected to offer protection against serious illness, according to WHO.
Source: https://www.axios.com/local/seattle/2025/06/02/covid-subvariant-nb181-washington-cases