Symptoms, health risks: All you need to know about Nimbus, most common Covid variant in US
The CDS is monitoring the spread of his virus through an airport screening program, wherein nasal and wastewater samples are being collected.
From symptoms and spread to the health risks, here's all you need to know about the new variant:
The 'Nimbus' variant was first detected in March by the CDC's airport testing program, and is a subvariant of Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2. It emerged in China earlier in 2025, and later spread to parts of Asia and Europe, a Bloomberg report said.
Some people who have been diagnosed with the 'Nimbus' variant reported intense scratchiness like 'razor blades in the throat".
Other symptoms linked to the variant are common -- congestion, fatigue, mild cough, fever, loss of taste and smell, runny nose, loss of appetite and muscle aches.
The variant makes up between 13-68 per cent of circulating Covid strains, according to a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services. A two-week period ending June 21 showed 43 per cent of Covid cases being that of the Nimbus variant.
However, Rajendram Rajnarayanan, a researcher at New York Institute of Technology, believes that the estimates of the Nimbus variant cases are unreliable "due to limited surveillance".
While the CDS says it is 'aware of increasing detections' of Nimbus, the World Health Organisation had earlier said that the public health risk the variant poses is not higher than others.
Cases of Nimbus variant were earlier detected in US states like Washington, New York, California and Virginia, and in other countries, like Australia and the UK.
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How to avoid policy lapses after premium hikes Plan for timely renewal Irrespective of premium increases, always renew your policy before the due date. Lapsed individual health insurance policies may result in a loss of waiting period benefits and continuity for pre-existing diseases. Many insurers offer a grace period of 15 to 30 days, but cover for claims is not available during lapses. Seek expert or a financial advisor help If you are unsure about the impact of premium hikes, consult a trusted insurance advisor or financial planner. They can analyse your current needs, suggest suitable individual health insurance products, and guide you on combining covers or switching options without losing protection. Conclusion: Proposed premium hikes in individual health insurance and private medical insurance represent the most substantial increases in over five years for Indian policyholders. While driven by rising healthcare costs, greater claim payouts, and market competition, they create affordability challenges for middle-class families and vulnerable groups. To navigate this evolving landscape, consumers should regularly compare policies, use top-ups creatively, and leverage IRDAI's consumer protection initiatives. Reviewing your health coverage priorities, seeking expert advice, and staying aware of regulatory updates will help manage the impact of premium increases without sacrificing protection. PNN and takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI
