New Covid subvariant NB.1.8.1 hits three popular holiday spots and these are the symptoms
New Covid subvariant NB.1.8.1 hits three popular holiday spots and these are the symptoms
The highly-infectious new Covid strain - officially named NB.1.8.1 - has been detected in multiple countries, including Australia, the US and possibly the UK
Some travellers may be affected
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a warning over a surge in Covid cases, with a new variant now accounting for more than 10% of all infections.
But is says that no travel or trade restrictions are needed. The WHO has labelled the new strain NB. 1.8. 1 as a 'variant under monitoring' due to concerns about the sharp increase in cases.
By the end of April, 2025, NB.1.8.1 made up approximately 10.7% of all submitted sequences – a significant rise from just 2.5% four weeks previously. It is already the dominant strain in Hong Kong and China.
Lara Herrero, associate professor and research leader in virology and infectious disease at Griffith University, said that thanks to multiple mutations, the new strain 'may infect cells more efficiently than earlier strains', reports the Mirror.
The strain has been identified in several countries, including Australia, the US and potentially the UK. Sign up for our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here.
"However, importantly, the WHO has not yet observed any evidence it causes more severe disease compared to other variants. Reports suggest symptoms of NB.1.8.1 should align closely with other Omicron subvariants," Lara Herroro said.
"Common symptoms include sore throat, fatigue, fever, mild cough, muscle aches and nasal congestion. Gastrointestinal symptoms may also occur in some cases."
A WHO report explains: "SARS-CoV-2 continues to evolve, and between January and May, 2025, there were shifts in global SARS-CoV-2 variant dynamics.
"At the beginning of the year, the most prevalent variant tracked by WHO at the global level was XEC, followed by KP.3.1.1. In February, circulation of XEC began to decline while that of LP.8.1 increased, with the latter becoming the most detected variant in mid-March. Since mid-April, the circulation of LP.8.1 has been slightly declining as NB.1.8.1 is increasingly being detected."
The update also highlighted that the emerging strain is finding traction especially in the eastern Mediterranean, covering popular holiday spots such as Egypt. It's gaining ground too in South East Asia, hitting destinations like Thailand and the Maldives.
The WHO pointed out upward trends in other regions including Cambodia, China, Hong Kong and Singapore.
"WHO recommends that countries remain vigilant, adapt to evolving epidemiological trends, and leverage COVID-19 management strategies to strengthen systems for all respiratory disease threats. Member States should continue offering COVID-19 vaccines in line with WHO recommendations.
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"Based on the current risk assessment of this event, WHO advises against imposing travel or trade restrictions."
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