NB.1.8.1: Should We Be Worried About New Covid Variant In India? Symptoms Explained
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WHO has classified NB.1.8.1 as Variant Under Monitoring as of May, indicating it has mutations that could be worth tracking. Reports suggest it has a higher transmissibility rate
A new sub-variant of Covid-19 called NB.1.8.1 has been detected in India. Its sample was collected and sequenced in April.
Though over the past few weeks, the samples of SARS-Cov-2, which have been sequenced in India, were of BA.2 and JN.1 variants.
The NB.1.8.1 sample, which has been for genome sequencing to INSACOG from Tamil Nadu, is considered a descendant of Omicron lineage JN.1.
What Is NB.1.8.1?
The World Health Organization classified NB.1.8.1 as 'Variant Under Monitoring' (VUM) as of May 2025, indicating it has mutations that could be worth tracking but is not currently a 'Variant of Interest' due to its low global public health risk.
The variant is derived from recombinant ancestor XDV.1.5.1, with the earliest samples reported from January 22, 2025. This variant carries six mutations in the spike protein as compared to other circulating LP8.1 and eight mutations as compared to JN.1, as per an Indian Express report.
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Preliminary data suggest that NB.1.8.1 has a higher transmissibility rate compared to some earlier variants, possibly due to its enhanced binding affinity to human receptors.
Reports suggest that there were 58 NB.1.8.1 sequences submitted to global Covid-19 genome sequencing database from 22 countries.
What Are The Key Characteristics?
Mutations: NB.1.8.1 has spike protein mutations (A435S, V445H, T478I) that suggest increased transmissibility and some immune evasion compared to other variants of Covid-19. These mutations enhance its ability to bind to human cells, potentially making it more contagious.
Transmissibility: Preliminary data from China indicate that NB.1.8.1 is highly transmissible, contributing to its dominance in some regions. However, there's no evidence that it is more severe than other Omicron subvariants.
Global Spread: Beyond India, NB.1.8.1 has been detected in the United States (via airport screenings in California, Washington, Virginia, and New York), Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and other countries. Its cases have surged in parts of Asia, including Singapore that reported a rise from 11,100 to over 14,000 weekly cases in early May 2025.
What Are The Symptoms Of NB.1.8.1?
Most of the symptoms are similar to previous Omicron variants.
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Mild cough
• Fever
• Nasal congestion
• Headache
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Notably, loss of taste or smell, common in earlier variants like Delta, is less frequently reported with NB.1.8.1.
Public Health Impact In India
Currently, India has reported 257 active Covid-19 cases as of May 19, 2025, with a mild rise in states like Kerala (273 cases in May), Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. The NB.1.8.1 case in Tamil Nadu was an isolated detection, and JN.1 remains the dominant variant (53% of sequenced samples), followed by BA.2 (26%).
The WHO and Indian health officials have stressed that NB.1.8.1 variant does not appear to cause more severe illness or higher mortality than other variants. Most cases are mild, managed with home care, and hospitalisation rates remain low.
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Existing Covid-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective against NB.1.8.1 for preventing severe disease and symptomatic infection. Prior infections, particularly from Omicron, may also provide some immune protection via memory T cells, limiting disease severity.
The Health Ministry remains vigilant and proactive in monitoring the situation closely.
Why Bengaluru's Case Is Unique?
The Karnataka Health Department officials confirmed that a nine-month-old baby tested positive for Covid-19 through a Rapid Antigen Test on May 22. The baby, who is from Hoskote town near Bengaluru, is being treated at Vani Vilas Hospital. Officials said the infant is safe and has not developed complications.
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The state has been seeing a gradual increase in Covid-19 cases over the past 20 days. The state has recorded 35 cases so far this year, out of which 32 are from Bengaluru, said Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao. The department has urged the public to follow preventive measures as a precaution, although no serious situation has developed yet.
Health experts recommend maintaining proper hand hygiene, wear masks in crowded places, monitor symptoms and consult a doctor if unwell and elderly and immunocompromised people should ensure up-to-date vaccinations.
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New Delhi, India, India
First Published:
May 25, 2025, 09:48 IST
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