Everything you need to know about highly transmissible new Covid strain 'Nimbus'
A warning has been issued to the public over the new highly contagious 'Nimbus' strain of Covid, which has seen cases soar in Ireland.
The Nimbus variant, also known as NB.1.8.1, has been identified in 22 countries so far and by late April was responsible for approximately 10.7 per cent of global infections, up from just 2.5 per cent a month earlier.
First identified at the end of January, the variant is a descendant of the Omicron family of Covid sublineages, and has become increasingly prevalent throughout the spring in Europe, the Americas and the Western Pacific.
The new strain has been declared a "variant under monitoring" by the World Health Organization (WHO), meaning that it could change the behaviours of the virus.
Preliminary data suggest NB.1.8.1 may spread more easily and may partially evade certain immune defences, the WHO has said.
As cases of the new 'Nimbus' variant surge, we break down everything you need to know about the new Covid strain.
The new NB.1.8.1 strain has been declared a "variant under monitoring" by the World Health Organization (WHO), meaning that it could change the behaviours of the virus.
Similar to previous Omicron subvariants, NB.1.8.1 contains spike protein mutations associated with increased transmissibility. However, no evidence suggests that NB.1.8.1 causes more severe illness or significantly evades vaccine-induced or natural immunity.
NB.1.8.1 has been linked to significant increases in Covid-19 cases across several countries.
Health officials have said Nimbus' spike protein modifications could increase its transmission capacity and partially reduce the neutralising efficacy of certain antibodies generated by previous infections, both of which would contribute to its spread.
NB.1.8.1 has seen a rapid rise in Ireland in recent weeks. According to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), the proportion of sequenced Covid samples linked to NB.1.8.1 has jumped from just 3.7 per cent to 33.3 per cent in the last five weeks.
Lara Herrero, a virologist from Griffith University in Australia, suspects that NB.1.8.1 spreads more easily than other variants, which may be behind the recent surge in cases in Ireland and around the globe.
"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," Dr Herrero wrote last month in The Conversation.
People in Ireland have been urged to stay home for two days if they display any signs of Covid. You should also avoid contact with other people, especially people at higher risk from Covid.
Symptoms of the new Covid strain are reported to be broadly the same as earlier versions of the virus with a painful sore throat a possible key sign of the new variant.
According to Dr Naveed Asif, GP at The London General Practice, the NB.1.8.1 variant has a distinctive symptom, a severe sore throat known as a "razor blade sensation".
Other signs of the new strain include common Covid symptoms like fever, muscle aches and congestion as well as redness in the back of the mouth and swollen neck glands.
While previous strains largely caused cold and flu like symptoms, this new variant has been linked to gastrointestinal issues in some patients - which can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, bloating, constipation, abdominal pain and even heartburn.
While symptoms are generally mild to moderate, individuals with pre-existing conditions, unvaccinated persons, people with weakened immunity and older adults are at a higher risk of serious illness.
Those most vulnerable to Covid - such as the elderly, immunocompromised or those with pre-existing chronic conditions - have been urged to stay up to date with booster vaccinations to ensure they are protected against NB.1.8.1.
Health officials say that current Covid jabs remain effective against this variant and protect anyone infected from severe illness.
"Treatment for Nimbus generally aligns with that for other Covid-19 variants," says Dr Naveed Asif, GP at The London General Practice.
"Most individuals will recover at home with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications for symptom management.
"For those with severe symptoms or high-risk complications, antiviral medications or monoclonal antibody treatments may be recommended. Always consult your GP for personalised advice."
Despite a rise in cases, Dr. Sharad Joshi, Director & HOD, Pulmonology and Paediatric Pulmonology, Max Healthcare, has said "there's no need to panic".
"To protect ourselves and those around us, it's important to practice good respiratory hygiene," said Dr. Joshi.
"This includes wearing a mask, covering your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, and maintaining a safe distance where possible. It may be wise to avoid non-essential travel, large gatherings, and outings for the time being."
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The Journal
6 hours ago
- The Journal
There's a new, more contagious Covid variant creeping into Ireland - here's the scoop on 'Nimbus'
A NEW COVID variant is being closely monitored by the World Health Organisation (WHO) following a rise in infections in several parts of the world. First identified at the end of January, the variant – officially named NB.1.8.1 and informally known as Nimbus – has become increasingly common here in Ireland, as well as across Europe, the Americas, south-east Asia and Australia. Just over one in ten Covid cases in Ireland in the last few weeks was the Nimbus variant – but the numbers overall still remain low. So what is known about the new Nimbus strain? Is it more infectious? Nimbus carries genetic mutations that may make it more infectious and better able to evade certain antibodies – essentially meaning it is more transmissible than previous strains. However, the WHO has graded the overall public health risk from the strain as 'low' on a global scale. Like other variants, Nimbus has changes to its spike protein — the part of the virus that helps it enter human cells. These changes may increase its ability to spread and weaken the effect of antibodies from previous infections. Even so, the WHO reports there is no evidence that Nimbus causes more severe illness than other currently circulating strains, and it has not led to higher hospitalisations or death rates. What are the symptoms? The symptoms linked to the Nimbus strain are much the same as those seen with other Covid variants. They include sore throat, cough, tiredness, fever, muscle aches, loss of taste or smell, breathing difficulties, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. While this variant may partially bypass some immune defences, WHO experts say this level of 'immune escape' is similar to that seen in previous Omicron subvariants. Advertisement Importantly, the variant does not appear to resist antiviral treatments, and current vaccines still offer strong protection against serious illness. When did the new strain enter Ireland? According to the 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. The strain has seen a rapid rise in Ireland in recent weeks. According to data from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), the proportion of sequenced Covid samples linked to Nimbus jumped from 3.7% to 27.3% in the recent weeks. NB.1.8.1 accounted for 11% of total positive Covid tests in the last 5 weeks in Ireland. Don't panic though, cases are not spiking. Last week, there were just 216 cases of Covid reported in Ireland, with 90 hospitalisations attributed to Covid. Most of the recorded cases (around 55%) were people over the age of 65, the most vulnerable age group, which explains the high rate of hospitalisation. While 216 cases may seem like a lot, cases were significantly higher this time last year – over 1,000 cases were reported every week in June 2024. Cases have remained low this year. In recent weeks, the average amount of recorded cases was just over 160. What can I do? However, for those at higher risk – including older adults, people with weakened immune systems, or those with chronic health conditions – Nimbus does pose a potential threat. The WHO advises that these groups keep up to date with booster jabs to maintain strong protection against severe Covid outcomes. While there are no longer any self-isolation mandates in the Ireland, the HSE recommends avoiding contact with others for five days if you experience symptoms. The HSE also advises you to avoid meeting people who are at very high risk for ten days. Seasonal Covid booster shots will be available in autumn, and are recommended for people who are most at risk of severe illness. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Independent
a day ago
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Protest held in support of GP Marcus de Brun who is facing inquiry over views on pandemic measures
Dr de Brun, who ran Rush Family Practice in Rush, north Dublin, is facing an allegation of professional misconduct and accused of failing to support public health guidelines during the pandemic. A hearing of his case before the Medical Council, which regulates doctors, has been postponed until July. A number of GPs who were at the protest today called it a 'A Peaceful Assembly for Medical Freedom'. They asked people to join them in support of Dr de Brun and other GPs who continue to 'feel the impact of calling a halt to the Covid vaccines and are demanding a comprehensive and transparent investigation in to Covid 19 policies'. They were joined by other supporters with placards as they called for the freedom for doctors to express opinions. Dr de Brun who was appointed to the Medical Council by the then Minister for Health Simon Harris in 2018 later resigned in 2020 when he criticised the Government's handling of the Covid-19 crisis in relating to nursing homes. He said at the time that 'unquestionably the most vulnerable cohort of patients in Ireland are those residents of nursing homes'. 'This fact should have been entirely obvious to all involved in the management of the crisis.' The European Medicines Agency said Covid vaccines continue to protect people from severe disease and death caused by infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19. Vaccination is the best tool to prevent the consequences of infection, said the watchdog. It said that infection can cause severe disease and long-term damage, including in healthy adults and children. 'It remains particularly dangerous for older or sick people with low immunity and those with faulty immune systems. 'Estimates indicate that millions of lives have been saved by Covid-19 vaccination.' Meanwhile, a new fast-spreading Covid variant has arrived in Ireland .The NB.1.8.1 is blamed for a sharp surge in cases of the virus in China in particular and it is the dominant strain in western Australia . Fourteen cases have been confirmed in Ireland after sequencing but it is expected to spread in the coming weeks.
Irish Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Everything you need to know about highly transmissible new Covid strain 'Nimbus'
A warning has been issued to the public over the new highly contagious 'Nimbus' strain of Covid, which has seen cases soar in Ireland. The Nimbus variant, also known as NB.1.8.1, has been identified in 22 countries so far and by late April was responsible for approximately 10.7 per cent of global infections, up from just 2.5 per cent a month earlier. First identified at the end of January, the variant is a descendant of the Omicron family of Covid sublineages, and has become increasingly prevalent throughout the spring in Europe, the Americas and the Western Pacific. The new strain has been declared a "variant under monitoring" by the World Health Organization (WHO), meaning that it could change the behaviours of the virus. Preliminary data suggest NB.1.8.1 may spread more easily and may partially evade certain immune defences, the WHO has said. As cases of the new 'Nimbus' variant surge, we break down everything you need to know about the new Covid strain. The new NB.1.8.1 strain has been declared a "variant under monitoring" by the World Health Organization (WHO), meaning that it could change the behaviours of the virus. Similar to previous Omicron subvariants, NB.1.8.1 contains spike protein mutations associated with increased transmissibility. However, no evidence suggests that NB.1.8.1 causes more severe illness or significantly evades vaccine-induced or natural immunity. NB.1.8.1 has been linked to significant increases in Covid-19 cases across several countries. Health officials have said Nimbus' spike protein modifications could increase its transmission capacity and partially reduce the neutralising efficacy of certain antibodies generated by previous infections, both of which would contribute to its spread. NB.1.8.1 has seen a rapid rise in Ireland in recent weeks. According to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), the proportion of sequenced Covid samples linked to NB.1.8.1 has jumped from just 3.7 per cent to 33.3 per cent in the last five weeks. Lara Herrero, a virologist from Griffith University in Australia, suspects that NB.1.8.1 spreads more easily than other variants, which may be behind the recent surge in cases in Ireland and around the globe. "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," Dr Herrero wrote last month in The Conversation. People in Ireland have been urged to stay home for two days if they display any signs of Covid. You should also avoid contact with other people, especially people at higher risk from Covid. Symptoms of the new Covid strain are reported to be broadly the same as earlier versions of the virus with a painful sore throat a possible key sign of the new variant. According to Dr Naveed Asif, GP at The London General Practice, the NB.1.8.1 variant has a distinctive symptom, a severe sore throat known as a "razor blade sensation". Other signs of the new strain include common Covid symptoms like fever, muscle aches and congestion as well as redness in the back of the mouth and swollen neck glands. While previous strains largely caused cold and flu like symptoms, this new variant has been linked to gastrointestinal issues in some patients - which can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, bloating, constipation, abdominal pain and even heartburn. While symptoms are generally mild to moderate, individuals with pre-existing conditions, unvaccinated persons, people with weakened immunity and older adults are at a higher risk of serious illness. Those most vulnerable to Covid - such as the elderly, immunocompromised or those with pre-existing chronic conditions - have been urged to stay up to date with booster vaccinations to ensure they are protected against NB.1.8.1. Health officials say that current Covid jabs remain effective against this variant and protect anyone infected from severe illness. "Treatment for Nimbus generally aligns with that for other Covid-19 variants," says Dr Naveed Asif, GP at The London General Practice. "Most individuals will recover at home with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications for symptom management. "For those with severe symptoms or high-risk complications, antiviral medications or monoclonal antibody treatments may be recommended. Always consult your GP for personalised advice." Despite a rise in cases, Dr. Sharad Joshi, Director & HOD, Pulmonology and Paediatric Pulmonology, Max Healthcare, has said "there's no need to panic". "To protect ourselves and those around us, it's important to practice good respiratory hygiene," said Dr. Joshi. "This includes wearing a mask, covering your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, and maintaining a safe distance where possible. It may be wise to avoid non-essential travel, large gatherings, and outings for the time being."
