There’s a new Covid variant making waves in the U.S., and health officials are urging people to be alert for a particular symptom. This variant, known as NB.1.8.1, seems to cause a severe sore throat that many describe as feeling like there’s a ‘razor blade’ or shards of glass in there.
Dr. Zhong Nanshan, a prominent epidemiologist in China, mentioned in state media that more patients are reporting this “razor blade throat” symptom. Interestingly, many individuals in China have taken to social media to share their experiences, noting how painful it can be and how it leaves them feeling utterly exhausted.
Doctors in Western countries are now highlighting this sore throat as a potential sign linked to the newer variant. The strain has contributed to a notable increase in Covid cases in China, with emergency room patients testing positive rising from 7.5% to 16.2% between March and May of this year.
It’s not only China facing this variant; it’s also spreading to places like India and Thailand. In California, cases attributed to this variant jumped from 2% to 19% in a few months. There are reports of more than a dozen cases in Washington state, with infections also detected in Ohio, Rhode Island, and Hawaii. Alarmingly, travelers arriving in Virginia and New York City were found to have the variant.
The World Health Organization has indicated that this variant appears to be more contagious and might account for nearly half of all cases worldwide. However, they assure that there’s no strong evidence suggesting it leads to more severe illness or death.
In addition to the notorious sore throat, patients infected with this variant also seem to be experiencing typical Covid symptoms like cough, fever, fatigue, and congestion. Dr. Nanshan remarked, “This round of Covid isn’t drastically different from earlier ones,” emphasizing that the initial symptoms are fairly similar. However, he noted that the symptom of razor blade throat is notably more prevalent this time around.
On social media platforms like Weibo, everyday citizens have voiced their struggles. One user recounted witnessing a coworker coughing intensely, initially fearing she had choked on food. Upon inquiry, the coworker revealed her primary complaint was this peculiar sore throat.
Another user shared their feelings of being completely wiped out by this symptom, while yet another mentioned struggling to speak due to the pain. These discussions are gaining traction among medical professionals in the UK, where the strain has been identified. The World Health Network has also acknowledged common reports of severe throat pain associated with the variant, labeling it distinct from previous ones.
In light of these developments, some doctors in Ohio are advocating for a return to mask mandates, following the example of places like Hong Kong. Dr. Amy Edwards from Case Western Reserve University suggested that anyone feeling unwell should consider wearing a mask. Similarly, Dr. Melanie Matheu, an immunologist with past experience at UCSF, has echoed this sentiment.
As for the broader context, the U.S. test positivity rate nudged up slightly to 2.8% for the week ending May 31, compared to the previous week’s 2.7%. Covid-related hospitalizations have held steady, accounting for about 0.3% of ER admissions during the same period.
While the number of Covid deaths seems to be on a downward trend, with 250 fatalities reported for the week ending May 10—a decrease from 277 the prior week—these figures remain significantly lower than during past waves. For perspective, the U.S. recorded a peak of 3,700 Covid deaths per day in early 2021, and during the Omicron surge, positivity rates hit 13.8%.
In comparison to last year, when the test positivity rate was 3.5% with approximately 344 weekly deaths, the current situation indicates a notable decrease in severity and impact from the virus.
