COVID-19 Variant NB.1.8.1 Experiences Rapid Increase in China, Expanding Within U.S.
The SARS-CoV-2 variant NB.1.8.1, a member of the Omicron family, has surfaced in the United States. This variant has been linked to Covid surges in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, and is now spreading in the US.
At present, cases of NB.1.8.1 are few, with fewer than 20 sequences detected in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) baseline surveillance data. These instances have been identified through airport screening programs in California, Washington, Virginia, and the New York City area, in addition to separate cases in Ohio, Rhode Island, and Hawaii.
Scientists are keeping close tabs on the potential impact of NB.1.8.1 in the US given its association with an increase in Covid cases in China and parts of Asia, including a significant rise in emergency room visits and hospitalizations in Hong Kong. However, experts in the US consider it as an iteration of the Omicron family rather than a dangerous new mutant. The variant's presence in the US is scattered and in small numbers at present, suggesting it has not yet reached a level of concern that would necessitate immediate action.
Health authorities, including the CDC and international partners, are monitoring the situation and maintaining regular contact to evaluate the variant's spread and potential impact. If the variant increases in proportion, it will be included in the CDC's COVID Data Tracker dashboard.
Vaccination remains a key strategy in preventing severe disease and death from Covid-19, particularly among at-risk groups. Ongoing surveillance is crucial for understanding NB.1.8.1's potential impact in the US. While there is no immediate cause for panic, close attention is warranted to ensure an appropriate response should the situation change.
In the context of the ongoing surveillance of the NB.1.8.1 variant, a sub-lineage of SARS-CoV-2, health authorities, including the CDC, are actively monitoring its spread and potential impact, particularly in relation to its association with increased Covid-19 cases in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. This variant falls under the category of medical-conditions related to health-and-wellness in science, with the ongoing study being integral to understanding its implications in the US.
