New COVID Variant Emerges
Just when we thought we had put COVID in the rearview mirror, a new variant is cropping up, and it’s a bit concerning.
This variant, named NB.1.8.1, has made its way to the United States. It was first identified in China earlier this year and now represents 10% of global SARS-CoV-2 sequences tested, based on recent surveillance data.
That’s quite an increase from just 2.5% four weeks ago.
A spokesperson from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mentioned that they are regularly in touch with international partners regarding NB.1.8.1’s activity. As of now, only 20 sequences of NB.1.8.1 have been identified in the U.S., which is below the level necessary for it to appear on the agency’s COVID dashboard.
The spokesperson also clarified that if its prevalence rises, it would quickly be added to the tracker.
Importantly, infectious disease experts report that there aren’t any significant differences in symptoms between NB.1.8.1 and other SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Dr. Zachary Hoy, a pediatric infectious disease specialist, indicated that it seems NB.1.8.1 will present similar symptoms to those we’ve seen with other recent COVID variants.
Here’s what you ought to know about this latest strain:
When compared to the currently dominant variant in the U.S., LP.8.1, NB.1.8.1 features several new mutations on its spike protein, which might enhance its ability to attach to our cells, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO).
These mutations could lead to increased transmissibility of the virus and may potentially reduce the effectiveness of neutralizing antibodies that typically prevent pathogens from binding to our cells.
In simpler terms, it seems this variant might be good at dodging some of our immune defenses, according to research.
As for the symptoms associated with NB.1.8, they mirror those found in other SARS-CoV-2 variants, Dr. Amesh Adalja, an expert in infectious diseases, affirmed.
Common symptoms include a mild but ongoing dry cough and nasal congestion; many individuals also report fatigue. It’s interesting—people might still go about their daily lives, but they often feel more exhausted.
Dr. Hoy noted that while infected individuals can manage their days, they typically feel more worn out than usual.
Other frequent symptoms are fever, chills, sore throat, and muscle aches. Some have noted that recent variants tend to exhibit milder symptoms compared to winter influenza viruses, but serious symptoms can still occur.
There are reports from China indicating that a painful symptom nicknamed “razor blade throat” is also being experienced by those infected, described as something like swallowing shards of glass.
Currently, there’s no evidence suggesting that NB.1.8.1 causes more severe illness or leads to increased hospitalizations or deaths, according to the WHO. Dr. Adalja highlighted that the only noticeable trend so far is its increasing prevalence.
Regarding the vaccines, it’s still too soon to determine their effectiveness against NB.1.8.1, given the limited research due to the variant’s novelty. However, scientists believe the vaccines should still provide some protection.
Dr. Adalja stated that vaccines remain effective in preventing severe illness, though their ability to prevent infection is reduced and may not last long.
For those at risk of severe disease, keeping vaccinations up to date is advisable.
Dr. Hoy added that older individuals, those with underlying immune disorders, or those on immunosuppressive medications, along with healthcare workers who face greater exposure, would particularly benefit from vaccination.
