Breaking News: New COVID-19 Variant Detected in 22 Countries – WHO Issues Warning
Five Years After Coronavirus Pandemic: An Emerging Variant
Five years on from the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic, the SARS-COV-2 virus continues to adapt and spread. The World Health Organization (WHO) has alerted the world to a new variant, NB.1.8.1, derived from the recombinant XDV.1.5.1 variant, following its first detection on January 22, 2025.
According to the WHO’s latest risk assessment report by the technical advisory group on virus evolution (-VE), NB.1.8.1 is responsible for 10.7% of the global COVID-19 infections, a surge from 2.5% four weeks ago. This marks a rapid increase but remains comparatively low when contrasted with the dominant LP.8.1 variant, which accounts for 39% of cases.
Global Impact and Prevention Measures
The new variant has made its highest impact felt in the Western Pacific region, where prevalence has jumped from 8.9% to 11.7%. The Americas see an increase from 1.6% to 4.9%, and Europe from 1% to 6%. Though its spread in Southeast Asia is minimal, no cases have been identified in Africa or the Eastern Mediterranean.
The variant has been detected in 22 countries, with particularly high concentrations in regions such as Hong Kong and China. Tourist hotspots including Egypt, the Maldives, and Thailand report significant incidences, while India has seen over 3,000 cases. Here in Space (assuming it refers to a country or region), COVID-19 infections have surged to 39.4 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, although its link to NB.1.8.1 remains unverified.
Transmission and Symptoms: What You Need to Know
NB.1.8.1, like other COVID-19 variants, spreads primarily through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing. Preventative measures such as ventilation, handwashing, and wearing face masks remain crucial.
Symptoms include the familiar fever, throat pain, cough, difficulty breathing, and generalized tiredness. In vaccinated individuals, these symptoms might be milder and less likely to necessitate medical intervention.
WHO Assessment and Expert Insights
Although the WHO assesses NB.1.8.1 as a “bas” public health risk due to minimal additional immune evasion compared to LP.8.1, vigilance is key.vacines currently available are expected to remain effective against NB.1.8.1, ensuring continued protection for vaccinated populations.
Stay Informed: The Continued Battle Against COVID-19
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