What has caused the global spike in new Covid variant 'Nimbus' NB.1.8.1?
The new 'Nimbus' strain is the latest Covid variant, and cases have been confirmed in the UK.
A new variant of Covid named NB.1.8.1 or 'Nimbus' is spreading like wildfire across the globe, with India the newest country to report a severe spike in cases. This new strain has also been found in Thailand, Indonesia and China, and the UK Health Security Agency recorded its first cases in the UK last week.
NB.1.8.1 originated from the Omicron variant of the virus, and was first found back in January of this year. Cases have also been reported in states across the United States and Australia.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Nimbus variant made up around 10.7 per cent of global recorded sequences in April, a staggering increase from just 2.5 per cent in March.
The new strain has been declared a "variant under monitoring" by WHO, meaning that it could change the behaviours of the virus. Nimbus has been found in 22 countries so far and presents some unusual new symptoms.
Scientists have found that this new variant also spreads more easily than previous strains of Covid, which may explain the recent surge in cases.
Dr Chun Tang, GP at UK private healthcare centre Pall Mall Medical, said: 'NB.1.8.1 isn't too different from the Omicron variant, but it does have some tweaks to its spike protein, which might make it spread a bit more easily or slip past some of our existing immunity.
'That said, early signs suggest it doesn't seem to cause more serious illness, but of course, we're still learning more about it.'
Australian virologist Lara Herrero, of Griffith University, wrote in The Conversation last month: 'Using lab-based models, researchers found NB.1.8.1 had the strongest binding affinity to the human ACE2 receptor of several variants tested, suggesting it may infect cells more efficiently than earlier strains."
WHO has stated that risk to the global public is low, and that existing Covid vaccines are considered effective in preventing severe cases of the virus.
Most common symptoms of Nimbus are similar to that of previous Covid strains.
They include a severe sore throat, fatigue, mild cough, fever, muscle aches and congestion.
Some patients have also experienced gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, diarrhoea, or even heartburn, reported The Independent.
The full list of symptoms are;
a high temperature or shivering (chills) – a high temperature means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours
a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
shortness of breath
feeling tired or exhausted
an aching body
a headache
a sore throat
a blocked or runny nose
loss of appetite
diarrhoea
feeling sick or being sick
While Nimbus may be more easily transmissible between people, healthcare experts are stressing that there is no evidence that the new strain is more deadly or serious than previous variants.
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!
If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Doctor shares six symptoms of new Covid strain sweeping UK with key warning
A doctor has outlined the key signs we need to look out for in the new Covid variant known as 'Nimbus' as cases spike across the UK, with the strain also been found in 21 other countries worldwide A new strain of coronavirus is sweeping across the UK, and symptoms vary, but some are 'not typical' of former Covid cases. The new variant, known as NB.1.8.1, has been named 'Nimbus' and is causing a spike in cases across the nation. As of yesterday, 13 cases of the virus have been confirmed in the UK, prompting concern from health professionals. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), it is making up a "growing proportion" of Covid cases worldwide, as China and Hong Kong have seen a surge in cases, with the strain also identified in 21 other countries. The symptoms of 'Nimbus' can vary and are largely consistent with previous forms of the virus, but there are six key signs to look out for. Director & Superintendent Pharmacist, Prescription Doctor, Mohamed Imran Lakhi, exclusively tells the Mirror:"People commonly report a severe sore throat, persistent fatigue, mild cough, fever, muscle aches, and nasal congestion. "Some also experience digestive issues like nausea or diarrhoea, which isn't always typical with Covid variants." With a spike in cases of the 'Nimbus' strain across the UK, Dr Lakhi explains how we can best protect ourselves. He said: "While it seems to spread more easily, there's no strong evidence so far that it causes more severe illness than previous versions. Vaccines, especially those updated for Omicron strains, still offer good protection against serious disease. "It's important to stay up to date with your vaccinations and follow basic precautions like hand hygiene and wearing masks in crowded spaces, particularly as this variant circulates. "If you or someone you know develops these symptoms, especially the sore throat and fatigue, it's wise to get tested and isolate until you know more. Early detection helps protect you and those around you." The World Health Organisation (WHO) added the new Covid strain to its official watch list, amid fears it could be more contagious than earlier forms of the virus. However, there's currently no proof that it leads to more severe illness. According to WHO, the strain first appeared in January and by late April it was responsible for around 10.7% of global infections, up from just 2.5% a month earlier. Ireland has witnessed a sharp increase in cases linked to this variant in recent weeks. According to data from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), the proportion of sequenced Covid samples linked to NB.1.8.1 jumped from 3.7% to 27.3% in the last five weeks, reports Dublin Live.
Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Kate Garraway admits she 'no longer felt safe' while caring for Derek
Kate Garraway has revealed the heartbreaking moment she felt it was unsafe for her and her family as they cared for Derek Draper following his health complications after contracting Covid Kate Garraway has candidly opened up on the struggles she faced while caring for late husband Derek Draper, saying it got to the point she no longer felt safe. Derek, a political lobbyist, died aged 56 in 2022 following a cardiac arrest after years of health implications from long Covid. Derek's health rapidly deteriorated after he contracted coronavirus in March 2020. He died four years later in January 2024. Throughout his struggles, Good Morning Britain presenter Kate was by his side and was his primary carer. However, she has revealed how she got so tired at one stage that she felt the situation was no longer safe for her or her kids. Speaking to the Sun, Kate described a three-week gap in care for her husband while the system tried to work out which agency would be best suited to helping the family with the care he needed. She said during that time she "had no choice but to try to get through looking after Derek 24/7 completely alone". Kate confessed: "By the end I was so sleep-deprived I was scared it was no longer safe — for me, for the children, let alone for Derek. In desperation I called health services again and this time refused to get off the phone until some answer was given. "In the end, the person on the other end of the phone, who was also clearly exhausted, told me, 'There is nothing I can do but — and this isn't official — you are not alone and what I always say to people is take him to A&E and leave him there, then they legally have to do something." Kate was stunned that this was what the stage it had gotten to, questioning how the best solution appeared to be to "abandon" someone who wasn't safe to be left alone. She praised family members who helped with the awful situation, but realises others may not be so lucky. Kate also she admitted she still has a "tsunami of sadness" as she regularly wakes in the middle of night panicking she hasn't given her husband his medicine. She previously revealed the touching last moments she and her two kids shared with Derek. According to Kate in a discussion last year, proud dad Derek told his children, Darcey and Billy: "You're the best children anyone could ask for. Look after mum, be good for her." This was sadly last time Derek saw his two children before going into a coma. Kate openly praised her kids for how they handled their dad's condition and passing. Speaking on Good Morning Britain in February 2024, Kate said: "It was one of those stop-the-clock moments, where you want the world to stop. "It swamps you. We now have 24 hours, [which] turned out to be more of a month, of fighting on and fighting on, following the prognosis that he won't make it through. For the children when they heard he won't make it through, they've heard it so many times. "They were so beautiful, the children, about that. They individually had time with him on his own and Darcey said, 'If, dad, you can't do this, it's okay. Don't worry about us'. And I had similar conversations, a chance to hold his hand and smell his skin and hold him all the way through, and some people don't get that.
ITV News
3 hours ago
- ITV News
Glastonbury Festival 2025: Measles warning as festival-goers urged to get MMR jab
Glastonbury festival-goers are being urged to make sure they are vaccinated against measles before heading to Worthy Farm. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is warning the highly infectious illness is circulating across the country, with high numbers in the South West and London. It says measles is easy to catch in environments like festivals or travelling. Glastonbury Festival gets underway in just under two weeks' time on 25 June and health experts say people need to be aware of the health risks so they can enjoy the event safely. These risks include sexually transmitted infections (STIs), weather-related illnesses, and the impact from drugs and alcohol. Dr Alasdair Wood, consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA South West, said: "We want festival-goers to enjoy their time at Glastonbury and other festivals this year. "Being aware of the current health risks will help those attending enjoy their time, as much as possible. 'Measles is circulating across the country, and festivals are the perfect place for measles to spread. If you're not fully vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella, please contact your GP to see if you can get an appointment before coming to the festival. "If you feel unwell or have been advised isolate as a result of measles or another infection, please continue to do so. "We are also seeing an increase in cases of STIs, with large rises particularly in young people. STIs aren't just an inconvenience – they can have a major impact on your health and that of any sexual partners. "Condoms are the best defence, but if you didn't use one the last time you had sex with a new or casual partner, get tested to detect any potential infections early and prevent passing them on to others. "Testing is important because you may not have any symptoms of an STI." Alison Bell, Acting Director of Public Health for Somerset Council, said: "Keeping yourself safe over the Glastonbury weekend is paramount. "Most health risks can be avoided by taking simple steps to help protect yourself, remembering to keep yourself cool and avoid excess alcohol can help keep you safe during periods of hot weather. 'We are encouraging everyone who attends the Festival to take some basic steps to protect themselves and others. "Familiarise yourself with the health and safety advice on the Glastonbury Festival website and app before you travel and encourage your friends to do the same. "Avoid travelling if you are feeling acutely unwell. Stay hydrated and avoid excessive alcohol consumption, particularly in hot weather. "Wash hands regularly and carry hand sanitiser with you. Never take a BBQ into a tent - despite being out in the fresh air, carbon monoxide can build up to levels that can kill very quickly in enclosed spaces. "Stay safe in the sun by using sun lotion, wearing a hat and seeking shade in the hottest parts of the day. "Seek advice if you become unwell – there are medical facilities around the Festival site, including two dispensing and retail pharmacies.' The UKHSA has issued its festival and summer safety tips: Get your MMR vaccine Measles is currently circulating across the country, with high numbers of cases in the South West and London. Symptoms of measles include a high fever, sore red watery eyes and a blotchy red brown rash and is particularly easy to catch in environments when in close contact with others such as festivals or travelling. Measles is a highly infectious viral illness, so anyone with symptoms is advised to stay at home and phone their GP or NHS 111 for advice, before visiting the GP surgery or A&E, to prevent the illness spreading further. By far the best way to protect yourself and those around you from measles is the MMR vaccine. The UKHSA has recently urged parents of young children, teenagers and adults to check that they are up to date with their MMR vaccines, particularly before they travel this summer and before attending summer festivals where measles can spread more easily. It is never too late to catch up: If anyone has missed one or both doses of the MMR vaccine, contact your GP practice to book an appointment. Prepare for the weather While it's too early for a forecast for this year's festival, it's important to pack for all possibilities. Remember to pack wellies/sturdy boots as well as appropriate changes of clothing should the weather change, e.g. waterproofs, it can be hot in the day and chilly at night, so bring something to keep you warm too. Hot weather in particular can pose a health risk for some people. Festival guests are reminded to stay safe during periods of hot weather, especially when walking around the Festival. Remember to carry a refillable water bottle with you and drink it throughout the day, wear sun cream and a sunhat and avoid excess alcohol. Remember to look out for one another. Keep a look-out for signs of heat-related harm in yourself, your friends, and other people around the Festival. The signs include: a headache; dizziness and confusion; loss of appetite and feeling sick; excessive sweating and pale, clammy skin; cramps in the arms, legs and stomach; fast breathing or pulse; a high temperature of 38C or above; being very thirsty. If you experience any of these symptoms, drink some water or diluted fruit juice to rehydrate, find somewhere shaded to sit down and rest and avoid excess alcohol. If symptoms have not gone away after 30 minutes of resting, seek help from one of the medical centres at the Festival. Practice safe sex: Cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly syphilis are increasing. UKHSA is reminding everyone having sex with new or casual partners before or at the Festival to wear a condom and get tested regularly, whatever their age or sexual orientation. Testing is free and confidential and you should get tested even if you are not showing any symptoms. Be tick aware: UKHSA is also encouraging people to 'be tick aware' by regularly checking clothing and exposed skin for ticks that might be crawling on you and brushing them off immediately if outdoors this summer. Peak tick season in the UK usually begins in March, with most bites commonly reported during May and June and ends in October, although ticks can be active all year round. The use of insect repellents such as DEET can repel ticks and prevent them from climbing onto clothing or attaching to skin (always follow the manufacturer's instructions). If you spot a tick, you must remove as soon as possible using a tick-removal tool or fine-tipped tweezers. These can be purchased in pharmacies. To remove a tick, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upwards slowly and firmly. Avoid illegal substances: The message from Glastonbury Festivals is not to use illegal substances on the site. The dealing in or use of illegal drugs is not condoned by the festival and drug enforcement laws are as applicable on the festival site as anywhere else in the country – you risk being evicted from the site if found with them. Festival attendees are reminded if they do ignore that advice and become ill or experience unusual effects from any substances taken, to seek immediate help from the medical or welfare services on site who can provide help and support. Polydrug use – using more than one drug at a time – intensifies the effects of the drugs, making them more dangerous. Mixing alcohol alongside other drugs is one of the most common forms of polydrug use and can seriously increase the strength and impact of those substances, increasing the chances of a potentially fatal chemical reaction. An overdose won't always look the same but some of the signs to look out for are: falling unconscious, very light shallow breathing or no breathing, loud raspy 'snoring' or gurgling, blue or pale lips or fingertips. If in doubt, seek medical attention immediately.
