US sees cases of new COVID-19 variant linked to surge in China: report
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has detected multiple cases of the new COVID-19 variant NB.1.8.1, which has been linked to a spike in cases in China. A CDC spokesperson confirmed the findings to Fox News Digital, but said there had been too few cases for the strain to be included in the agency's COVID Data Tracker.
"There have been fewer than 20 sequences of NB.1.8.1 in the U.S. baseline surveillance data to date, so it has not met the threshold for inclusion in the COVID Data Tracker dashboard," a CDC spokesperson told Fox News Digital. "We monitor all SARS-CoV-2 sequences, and if it increases in proportion, it will appear on the Data Tracker dashboard."
The cases were reportedly detected through the CDC's airport screening program, according to CBS News, though the CDC spokesperson did not confirm this to Fox News Digital.
While the CDC has detected the new variant in the U.S., the agency also reported on May 23 that emergency room visits for influenza, COVID and RSV are currently "very low." In its two-week predictions for COVID and influenza, the CDC said it expects the number of ER visits will likely stay at the current low level.
A CDC map showing COVID-19 cases detected through wastewater (sewage) testing indicates that most states are seeing either low or very low levels of the virus. The only state experiencing a high level of viral activity, according to CDC data, is South Dakota.
The COVID-19 NB.1.8.1 variant has been linked to a high number of cases in China and Hong Kong.
Earlier this month, Hong Kong authorities issued a statement urging the public — especially high-risk individuals — to wear surgical masks. However, the statement also noted that there is no evidence NB.1.8.1 is more serious than other COVID-19 variants.
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CARsgen has developed novel in-house technologies and a product pipeline with global rights to address challenges faced by existing CAR T-cell therapies. Efforts include improving safety profile, enhancing the efficacy in treating solid tumors, and reducing treatment costs, etc. CARsgen's mission is to be a global biopharmaceutical leader that provides innovative and differentiated cell therapies for patients worldwide and makes cancer and other diseases curable. Forward-looking Statements All statements in this press release that are not historical fact or that do not relate to present facts or current conditions are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements express the Group's current views, projections, beliefs and expectations with respect to future events as of the date of this press release. Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and factors beyond the Group's control. As a result, they are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, and actual events or results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements and the forward-looking events discussed in this press release might not occur. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those detailed under the heading "Principal Risks and Uncertainties" in our most recent annual report and interim report and other announcements and reports made available on our corporate website, No representation or warranty is given as to the achievement or reasonableness of, and no reliance should be placed on, any projections, targets, estimates or forecasts contained in this press release. Contact CARsgen For more information, please visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE CARsgen Therapeutics Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
