A new variant of COVID-19, NB.1.8.1, is causing concern among global health authorities due to its rapid global spread.
Spread of the NB.1.8.1 variant in Asia (1/12)
Originating in China, the NB.1.8.1 variant of COVID-19 has spread rapidly across Asia, reaching regions such as Hong Kong, where a significant resurgence of the epidemic has been observed. This sublineage of the Omicron variant, known for its high transmissibility, was classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a “variant under surveillance” on May 23. This classification, created in 2020, is reserved for variants that pose a greater risk to public health.
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Significant mutations of the NB.1.8.1 variant (2/12)
Professor Yves Buisson, a member of the French National Academy of Medicine, highlighted that the NB.1.8.1 variant has three quite significant mutations compared to its predecessor, which could make it the dominant strain in the future. Virologist Bruno Lina told BFMTV that the specific characteristics of this variant could make it dominant. In Asia, particularly in Taiwan, the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) reported a 66% increase in COVID-19-related consultations in one week.
Emergence of the NB.1.8.1 variant in Europe and the United States (3/12)
In Europe, the NB.1.8.1 variant first appeared in Germany, Ireland, and the Netherlands, with the first cases reported in France in March. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the variant has been circulating since early April, but its epidemiological impact is still uncertain. In the United States, cases have been detected among international travelers arriving in several states, including California and New York.
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WHO reassures about vaccine effectiveness (4/12)
The WHO sought to reassure the public, stating that current COVID-19 vaccines should remain effective against this variant in preventing symptomatic and severe forms of the disease. However, it called for vigilance, particularly in Asia, where the variant has become prevalent. Hong Kong reported that key COVID-19 surveillance indicators reached their highest level in a year, prompting authorities to strengthen hygiene measures.
