US EditionNew COVID Variant NB.1.8.1 Spreads Across Continents Amid Calls for Vigilance
- The WHO declared the Covid variant NB.1.8.1 a Variant Under Monitoring on May 23, 2025, noting its presence in 22 countries including the UK.
- NB.1.8.1, an offspring of the Omicron variant first recorded on January 21, 2025, has rapidly increased in global cases, rising from 3.7% to 33.3% of sequenced infections within five weeks.
- UKHSA has identified a limited number of NB.1.8.1 cases in the UK so far, with no indications that it leads to more severe illness, and current vaccines are anticipated to remain effective against this variant.
- Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam stated that current data do not indicate the variant leads to increased severity of illness or reduces vaccine effectiveness, while the WHO recommended no travel bans but emphasized the importance of ongoing vigilance.
- The ongoing spring 2025 booster programme, ending June 17, remains crucial as UK health authorities advise symptomatic individuals to avoid vulnerable contacts and to stay home if possible.
33 Articles
33 Articles
The World Health Organization (WHO) is already monitoring a new variant of SARS-cov-2, called NB.1.8.1, after having recently recorded a significant increase in cases and hospitalizations by covid-19.This variant, first detected in January of this year, is a sublining of the well-known Omicron variant. WHO has placed this variant in a "follow-up" state due to its rapid global spread. It currently accounts for more than 10% of covid-19 sequenced …
New COVID variant NB.1.8.1 spreads across continents amid calls for vigilance
The Global Virus Network (GVN) is closely monitoring the emergence of a newly identified SARS-CoV-2 variant, NB.1.8.1, a sublineage of the Omicron family. This variant was first identified in January 2025 and has rapidly spread across Asia and into other regions, including parts of the United States.
Bournemouth Echo
Brits issued Covid booster warning as cases of new strain rise
Here is what is known about the new Covid NB.1.8.1 variant from cases in the UK, symptoms, what the World Health Organisation has said and more.
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