Covid NB.1.8.1 cases 'rapidly' rising - what is known about new variant so far
Health experts have warned that cases of a new COVID-19 variant are on the rise around the world.
Covid NB.1.8.1 is a variation of the XDV.1.5.1 strain and was first detected back in January 2025.
However, reports of the new variant are "growing rapidly", according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), and it is showing some signs of "additional immune evasion" compared to others.
The WHO has placed the Covid NB.1.8.1 "under monitoring" due to the rise in cases worldwide.
It is one of six COVID-19 variants currently being monitored.
The new 'Strategic and operational plan for coronavirus disease threat management: at a glance' sets out the global framework for supporting Member States in the sustained, integrated, evidence-based management of coronavirus disease threats, including #COVID19, MERS, and… pic.twitter.com/c0iegiwKcO
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) May 28, 2025
However, the WHO stated that the risk posed by the new variant was "low," and that approved COVID-19 vaccines are expected to be effective against it.
The world health experts, in a recent risk evaluation, said: "Despite a concurrent increase in cases and hospitalisations in some countries where NB.1.8.1 is widespread, current data do not indicate that this variant leads to more severe illness than other variants in circulation.
The WHO added: "The available evidence on NB.1.8.1 does not suggest additional public health risks relative to the other currently circulating Omicron descendent lineages."
COVID NB.1.8.1 has already been detected in 22 countries.
These include the likes of Australia, China, Hong Kong, Thailand and the US, according to The Independent.
The coming COVID-19 Winter Surge in Australia will show the world where we are actually headed for..what is happening in South-Eats Asia and East Asia are just the 'preludes'...watch how NB.1.8.1 spawns are evolving including PQ.1, PQ.2 and even sub-lineages like PE.1.
— Thailand Medical News (@ThailandMedicaX) June 4, 2025
Cases of the NB.1.8.1 variant have also been confirmed in Northern Ireland, Wales, and "popular British tourist hotspots", the news outlet added.
Health organisations are yet to list any symptoms unique to Covid NB.1.8.1.
However, common symptoms of other COVID-19 variants, according to the NHS, include:
High temperature or shivering (chills)
New, continuous cough (this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours)
Loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
Shortness of breath
Feeling tired or exhausted
Aching body
Headache
Sore throat
Blocked or runny nose
Loss of appetite
Diarrhoea
Feeling sick or being sick
COVID-19 vaccines are available in the UK, and are usually offered on the NHS in spring and early winter.
The vaccine is available for those:
Aged 75 or over (including those who will be 75 by 17 June, 2025)
Aged 6 months to 74 years and have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment
Live in a care home for older adults
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The NHS said: "The COVID-19 vaccines are offered because viruses change and protection fades over time. It's important to top up your protection if you're eligible."
The vaccine helps:
Reduce your risk of getting severe symptoms
Recover more quickly if you catch COVID-19
Reduce your risk of having to go to hospital or dying from COVID-19
Protect against different types of COVID-19 virus
Eligible people can book in for a vaccination via the NHS website, the NHS App, or by attending a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination site.
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