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Experts are monitoring rising cases of the new variant
Health experts are monitoring a new Covid-19 variant as cases rises across the globe.
There has been a spike in cases of the new variant called NB.1.8.1.
It has prompted the World Health Organisation (WHO) to classify it as a ‘variant under monitoring’.
The overall health risk at this stage is thought to be low but some areas have seen rising infections and hospitalisations.
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What is NB.1.8.1?
NB. 1.8.1 is a variant of the Omicron variant.
The WHO said the first known case of NB.18.1 was identified on January 22, 2025.
As of May 18, the variant has been found in 22 countries, with 518 genetic sequences submitted to the global tracking system (GISAID).
It now accounts for 10 per cent of all reported COVID-19 cases globally; a significant increase from the 2.5 per cent reported just four weeks earlier.
NB 1.8.1 has established itself as the main variant in Hong Kong and China, WalesOnline reports.
There have also been confirmed cased in the eastern Mediterranean and south east Asia – including Egypt, Thailand and the Maldives.
The Centre of Disease Control (CDC) has also reported cases in the US, with traces to New York, California, Arizona, Ohio, Washington and Rhode Island.
Do I need to be worried?
Currently, the WHO says that the global health risk from NB.1.8.1 is low.
While some countries are seeing increased hospital visits linked to the variant, there is no evidence that it causes more severe illnesses than recent variants.
Am I protected?
Yes. According to the WHO, the currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are expected to protect people against this variant.
Are there any travel restrictions?
The WHO says there is no need to bring in for travel or trade restrictions at this time.
Countries are being urged to stay alert and adjust their responses as needed.
The official report states: “WHO recommends that countries remain vigilant, adapt to evolving epidemiological trends, and leverage COVID-19 management strategies to strengthen systems for all respiratory disease threats.
“Member States should continue offering COVID-19 vaccines in line with WHO recommendations.”
What are the symptoms?
Health experts at the CDC say that symptoms may vary but they will likely be similar to the typical symptoms of COVID-19.
This includes:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- New loss of taste or smell
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhoea
What can I do?
If you are experiencing COVID symptoms, the NHS has issued simple steps you can take to help protect yourself and others:
- Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for 3 days after the day the test was taken if you or your child are under 18 years old – children and young people tend to be infectious for less time than adults
- Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for 5 days after the day you took your test if you are 18 years old or over
- Avoid meeting people who are more likely to get seriously ill from infections, such as people with a weakened immune system, for 10 days after the day you took your test
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