New COVID Variant Nicknamed “Razor Blade Throat”
A recent uptick in COVID-19 cases in various regions has led to the emergence of a new variant known as “razor blade throat” COVID.
This variant, referred to as NB.1.8.1. or “Nimbus,” is reportedly causing particularly painful sore throats. Physicians in countries like the UK and India have noted this symptom while many media sources have also reported on it.
As with other COVID-19 strains, additional symptoms encompass fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, and loss of taste or smell.
While experts believe there’s not much to worry about with the Nimbus variant, here are some key details to keep in mind.
Where It’s Spreading
The increase in cases observed late last month is mostly concentrated in the eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and western Pacific regions, according to the World Health Organization’s report from May 28. By mid-May, the variant had accounted for nearly 11% of globally sequenced samples.
In the United States, airport screenings have identified the new variant among arrivals from these regions, particularly heading to places like California, Washington, Virginia, and New York.
Severity of the Variant
So far, it doesn’t seem like this variant leads to more severe illness than others.
The WHO has mentioned that some countries in the western Pacific have seen a surge in COVID cases and related hospitalizations. However, nothing indicates that the severity of illness linked to Nimbus is greater than that of previous variants.
Effectiveness of COVID-19 Vaccines Against Nimbus
The answer is yes; COVID-19 vaccines are still effective against the Nimbus variant.
The WHO has labeled Nimbus as a “variant under monitoring,” but considers the public health risk at a low level globally. Current vaccines are expected to continue offering protection.
Recently, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. declared that COVID-19 vaccinations are no longer advised for healthy kids and pregnant women—this decision has raised questions among public health experts.
