The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified several cases of a new Covid-19 variant known as Nb.1.8.1, which is linked to an increase in infections reported in China. A CDC spokesperson mentioned that the number of detected cases is relatively low, so it hasn’t been included in their Covid data tracker.
According to this spokesperson, there were fewer than 20 sequences recorded for the Nb.1.8.1 variant previously, which didn’t meet the required threshold for visibility on the data dashboard. They pointed out that as more SARS-CoV-2 sequences are monitored and reported, this variant is expected to be reflected on the tracker.
This variant was detected through the CDC’s airport screening efforts, although confirmation of this by the CDC wasn’t provided to certain media outlets.
Interestingly, the CDC reported around May 23 that emergency room visits for Covid, flu, and RSV are currently “very low,” and they forecast this trend to continue. A map from the CDC shows Covid-19 cases detected in wastewater across states, revealing that most states are experiencing either low or very low viral levels. The only exception is South Dakota, which has shown high levels of activity.
The Nb.1.8.1 variant appears to be associated with rising case numbers in China and Hong Kong. Recently, authorities in Hong Kong encouraged vulnerable populations to wear surgical masks, although they clarified that there is no evidence suggesting this new variant is more severe than others.
