New COVID Variant NB.1.8.1 Detected in the U.S.

There’s been some buzz around a story that hasn’t yet hit mainstream media, apart from CBS, but it’s making waves on Facebook and in parts of Europe. The latest update is that the U.S. is reporting cases of a new COVID variant, NB.1.8.1, which has been linked to a surge of infections in China.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), their airport screening program has found multiple instances of the NB.1.8.1 variant among international travelers arriving at airports in places like California, Washington, Virginia, and the New York City area. Data from Ginkgo Bioworks, the CDC’s airport testing partner, recorded these findings.

Additionally, health authorities in other states like Ohio, Rhode Island, and Hawaii have identified cases unrelated to those at airports. In California and Washington, some of the initial cases were reported back in late March and early April.

This variant is being closely monitored, especially as it has become dominant in China and is on the rise in other parts of Asia. In fact, Hong Kong officials have noted that COVID-19 infection rates have spiked to their highest levels in over a year, coinciding with a notable increase in emergency room visits and hospitalizations.

It’s reassuring to see the CDC actively involved in these developments—seriously, no sarcasm here.

The U.S. version of the Daily Express has also raised alarms, noting that this new COVID variant has made its way to the U.S. after causing significant issues in other countries, including fatalities in Taiwan.

While there’s currently no evidence suggesting that this variant is more severe than others, officials in Hong Kong are advising people to wear masks in crowded areas.

Taiwan has reported an uptick in emergency room visits, including some severe cases and deaths, prompting health authorities there to stockpile vaccines and antiviral medications.

On Thursday, an advisory committee from the Food and Drug Administration recommended updating the latest COVID vaccines to specifically address variants, including NB.1.8.1.

Additionally, the UK’s Economic Times has shared insights indicating that the variant, while not appearing to be more severe than past strains, does transmit more easily. Early findings suggest that NB.1.8.1 binds more effectively to human cells, potentially increasing its contagiousness.

So far, evidence suggests that NB.1.8.1 isn’t associated with more severe illness than previous variants. However, its speed in spreading raises concerns.

Interestingly, during a routine check-up last week, my doctor recommended I get a COVID booster, which I went ahead and did. It might be worth considering a similar conversation with your healthcare provider.