Global Virus Network issues guidance on new Covid-19 variant, vaccine protection
The newly identified Covid-19 variant, named NB.1.8.1, is spreading rapidly across parts of Asia including India and other regions such as the United States.While the variant has sparked concern due to its rising numbers, global health experts are urging caution, not panic.The Global Virus Network (GVN) - an international coalition of top virologists and research centres - which is closely tracking the situation, says there is no current evidence that NB.1.8.1 causes more severe illness than earlier variants.advertisement
However, its growing presence has led the World Health Organisation (WHO) to list it as a 'Variant Under Monitoring.'The variant, a sub-lineage of the Omicron family, was first detected in January 2025 and has now been found in 22 countries.As of May 18, 2025, NB.1.8.1 accounted for 10.7% of global Covid-19 virus samples submitted to the international database GISAID, global science initiative and primary source for freely sharing genomic data of viruses, especially influenza viruses.
There is no current evidence that NB.1.8.1 causes more severe illness than earlier variants. ()
This is a sharp rise from just 2.5% four weeks earlier. In India, active Covid-19 cases have climbed to 6,491 (as of June 9), with more than 500 new infections reported in the past 24 hours.advertisementStates such as Delhi, Kerala, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal are reporting steady increases in cases.Other countries are also seeing a rise. In Taiwan, hospital visits due to Covid-19 symptoms rose by 78% in one week, with nearly 6,000 people seeking care between April 27 and May 3.In the United States, more than a dozen cases of NB.1.8.1 have been reported, initially detected through airport screenings in California, Washington, Virginia, and New York. The variant has since been found in Ohio, Rhode Island, and Hawaii.Despite the rise in infections, experts say the pattern remains consistent with seasonal surges, and vaccines continue to provide strong protection against serious illness.WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT NB.1.8.1NB.1.8.1 shares many characteristics with previous Omicron variants, including mutations in the spike protein that help the virus spread more easily.
NB.1.8.1 shares many characteristics with previous Omicron variants, including mutations in the spike protein that help the virus spread more easily. ()
But early studies show it does not lead to more severe disease or significantly escape the protection offered by vaccines or past infection.advertisement"Breakthrough infections may happen, especially in people with waning immunity or those who are unvaccinated. But vaccines remain highly effective in preventing hospitalisation and death," the GVN stated.Existing treatments like Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir) and remdesivir also continue to work well against this and other Omicron subvariants.VACCINATION REMAINS KEYIn its latest guidelines, the coalition emphasised the importance of staying up to date with Covid-19 vaccinations, especially as the virus evolves.Here are the GVN's updated vaccine recommendations:Adults over 65 and those with underlying health issues should get an updated booster tailored to current variants.Everyone aged 6 months and older is encouraged to remain current with vaccinations, particularly before the respiratory illness seasons in autumn and winter.Children and teenagers should receive age-appropriate vaccine doses if they haven't been vaccinated in the past year. This helps prevent complications like hospitalisation or MIS-C (a serious inflammatory condition in children).Pregnant individuals are strongly advised to get vaccinated. According to GVN, studies show that Covid-19 vaccination during pregnancy reduces hospitalisation risk in infants by 61% and helps protect the newborn for up to six months. It also lowers the risks of preterm birth and other complications.advertisementPeople who haven't received a Covid-19 booster in the past year should speak with their doctor about timing and eligibility. Co-administering Covid-19 and flu vaccines is safe and recommended when needed. Side effects from both vaccines remain rare.NO CAUSE FOR ALARMHealth authorities are clear: the emergence of new variants like NB.1.8.1 is expected and does not mean we are entering a new emergency.'This is not a reason to panic, but a moment to prepare,' the GVN said. The key lies in continued vigilance, accurate public information, and strong global cooperation.GVN and WHO are encouraging nations to maintain timely virus tracking and share data to support early detection and response.While NB.1.8.1 is spreading, the tools we have, vaccines, treatments, and knowledge, are still effective.WHAT YOU CAN DOFor the public, experts recommend continuing to follow good health practices:advertisementStay up to date with Covid-19 vaccines.Wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces if cases are rising in your area.Practice good hand hygiene.Stay home if you feel sick and get tested if symptoms appear.Consult your doctor about booster shots or antiviral treatment if you are at higher risk.As Covid-19 continues to evolve, health agencies worldwide are shifting from emergency response to long-term management. That includes regular vaccination updates, like with influenza, and clear communication to avoid misinformation and panic."Scientific collaboration, accurate public communication, and continued investment in prevention tools will remain critical in navigating the evolving Covid-19 landscape," said GVN.Tune InMust Watch
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
42 minutes ago
- The Hindu
COVID-19's Return: New Variants, Mild Symptoms, and the Gaps in India's Public Health Preparedness
Published : Jun 09, 2025 17:07 IST - 7 MINS READ COVID-19 is once again making headlines. As of June 9, India has 6,491 active cases, according to the Union Health Ministry. Kerala remains the most affected State with 1,957 cases as of June 6, followed by Gujarat (980), West Bengal (747), and Delhi (728). While hospitalisations remain low and most cases are mild, the government has increased surveillance, testing, and hospital preparedness. According to the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), one case of the NB.1.8.1 variant was found in Tamil Nadu in April, and four cases of LF.7 were reported in Gujarat in May. The dominant variant in the country is JN.1, which is highly transmissible but generally mild, accounting for 53 per cent of current cases. 'When COVID first came, it was hugely problematic. We weren't prepared for it,' said Dr. Sylvia Karpagam. 'But now it can be endemic, in the sense that the virus is floating around, and given the right environment (such as certain seasons or overcrowded areas) and host, we can see a flare-up. We do expect, because of the vaccine and previous infections as well, that there will be some level of immunity. So, mostly we are not taking this as seriously as we would a new organism.' Also Read | WHO sees 'incredibly low' COVID-19, flu vaccination rates as cases surge However, Dr. Karpagam urges constant monitoring of the situation as the virus is a new mutation, and although there are fewer chances of another pandemic, it cannot be said for certain. 'We thought polio was contained, but suddenly it surged and that was because it was a new form of polio. So, lab checking, taking samples, and constant research must be done,' she added. Several groups in India remain particularly vulnerable: the elderly; those with underlying health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, lung or respiratory illnesses, diabetes, hypertension, or obesity; immunocompromised individuals, including cancer patients and transplant recipients; pregnant women due to physiological changes; and children under five, especially the unvaccinated. During any spike in respiratory infections, individuals in these categories are advised to take precautions: wear masks in public, avoid crowded areas, stay home when possible, and practise regular hand hygiene. Dr. Karpagam urges a more proactive public health system. 'We need a public health system that is prepared. We have to be able to prevent diseases before they occur, instead of waking up on the day of [the disease spreading] and trying to find a cure. It's a big problem in India. In the case of COVID, in case it rises, in case there are new mutations, just how prepared are we? That system of prevention and preparedness is not at all there.' In response to the recent surge, the Centre conducted facility-level mock drills on June 5 to assess hospital preparedness. These followed technical review meetings chaired by the Director General of Health Services, Sunita Sharma. States were instructed to ensure the availability of oxygen, isolation beds, ventilators, and essential medicines. A separate drill on June 2 tested oxygen supply systems, including PSA plants, LMO tanks, and MGPS lines. Hospitals have been directed to follow the revised ABC Guidelines 03, issued in June 2023, for treating patients with COVID-19 and influenza symptoms. All patients with symptoms of ILI (Influenza-Like Illness), ARI (Acute Respiratory Infection), or SARI (Severe Acute Respiratory Infection) must be tested. If a Rapid Antigen Test returns negative, an RT-PCR is mandatory. District RT-PCR facilities must be fully utilised, the department said. Preventive strategies remain familiar, but their urgency has returned. Respiratory viruses tend to be seasonal, with recurring waves. Vulnerable individuals—or anyone with symptoms—are advised to avoid crowded, enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces such as buses, trains, planes, offices, malls, and cinemas, especially without a mask. While rapid testing is widely available in urban areas, rural access remains limited, prompting calls for expanded distribution. Dr. Karpagam stressed the importance of vigilance—not just against the virus, but also against misinformation. 'If the virus is a mild version, pharmaceutical companies may hike the vaccine prices and say they have modified the vaccine to treat the mutation, and it becomes a business. Which is why we need research, labs, the Indian Council of Medical Research, and we need the government to put out regular statements. If it's a very serious mutation, then the government must put out notices regarding a vaccine and guidelines on how to manage symptoms. When there is no central regulation, then random people step in and give out misinformation to try various treatments without any scientific backing.' Global cases also climbing On May 28, 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported a global increase in SARS-CoV-2 activity based on its Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System. Test positivity rates have risen steadily since mid-February, reaching 11 per cent—levels not observed since July 2024. This surge is concentrated in the Eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and Western Pacific regions and is being driven by new subvariants including LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and NB.1.8.1. Of these, NB.1.8.1 has caught WHO's attention and has been designated a Variant Under Monitoring (VUM). As of late April, 518 sequences of this variant had been reported across 22 countries, accounting for 10.7 per cent of global submissions. While the variant appears to spread more rapidly, WHO has found no evidence of increased severity. Symptoms remain largely familiar: sore throat, fever with chills, congestion, fatigue, and headache. Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, former chief scientist of WHO and chairperson of the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, said such spikes of infections are normal. 'Like any other respiratory viral infection, it's self-resolving. Yes, there's an increase, and periodically we can expect to see an increase—I think every six to eight months is what it seems to be from looking back.' 'What we've seen in the past is that every time there are some additional mutations which confer an increase in transmissibility, you do see a spike, because the immunity that we have does not protect us against infection. Whether it's a vaccine or whether it's naturally induced immunity, it only protects us against severe diseases. So, infections are occurring, but the majority of them seem to be mild or do not require any hospitalisation or inpatient care or any specific treatment,' she added. A 2024 study in Nature found that vaccines updated to target JN.1 or related sublineages such as KP.2 elicit robust neutralising antibody responses against JN.1 and its descendants, including KP.3.1.1, XEC, LF.7.2.1, and LP.8.1. However, neutralisation titres against these newer variants are slightly lower than against JN.1 itself, suggesting some immune escape but continued protection. A 2024 Eurosurveillance study published in The Lancet estimated that the XBB.1.5 vaccine—a precursor to JN.1-targeted versions—had a vaccine effectiveness of 41 per cent in adults aged 18–59 and 50 per cent in those aged 60–85 against JN.1 infection. Also Read | COVID-19 rates are rising again—what you need to know Dr. Swaminathan urged long-term investment in vaccine development. 'What are those priority pathogens? WHO has priority pathogens for 25 or 26 viral families. India could decide out of that which are those ones which are of most importance or threat to us. I think if we had that kind of a list for India, then the industry would be able to develop and stockpile a certain number of doses of vaccine. This has to be done in a sort of private-public partnership, just like it was done for COVID,' she said. WHO shifts strategy In May, WHO released two new guidance documents in response to the global spike: Strategic and Operational Plan for Coronavirus Disease Threat Management: 2025–2030; and Implementation of the International Health Regulations (2005): Extension of the Standing Recommendations for Covid-19. 'This plan sets out WHO's strategic and operational framework to support Member States in the sustained, integrated, evidence-based management of coronavirus disease threats, including Covid-19, Mers, and potential novel coronavirus diseases of public health importance,' the document states. WHO no longer recommends lockdowns or blanket travel bans. Instead, it advises targeted, evidence-based responses that do not disrupt daily life: early variant detection, focused vaccination campaigns, and stronger public communication.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Active Covid count reaches 32 with four new cases
Indore: Indore continues to witness a surge in Covid-19 infections, with four new cases reported on Monday, bringing the total number of active cases in the district to 32. According to District Epidemiologist Dr Anshul Mishra, all four new patients are male residents of Indore, aged 30, 32, 48, and 57 years. They have no recent travel history, are currently stable, and are undergoing home isolation. Dr Mishra noted that most patients are presenting with mild symptoms. So far in the current calendar year, Indore reported two Covid-19 related fatalities. The first was a 74-year-old woman from Indore who passed away approximately one and a half months ago while receiving treatment at a private hospital. The second was a 44-year-old woman from Khargone, who delivered a baby a few days prior at MTH Hospital and tragically died on Friday during treatment at MRTB Hospital after testing positive for Covid-19. Dr Mishra stated that samples for suspected cases are currently collected at MRTB Hospital until 2 PM, with testing conducted at MGM Medical College's lab. For the remaining hours, or if doctors at MRTB Hospital do not classify a case as 'suspected,' individuals must rely on private labs and hospitals for diagnosis. This highlights that Indore's govt healthcare infrastructure remains under-equipped for basic public diagnostic access. TNN
The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
Government doctors to walk from Salem to Chennai demanding an increase in pay
: To draw the attention of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to their demands, the Legal Coordination Committee for Government Doctors (LCC) has decided to organise a march from Salem to Chennai on June 11. One of the long-pending demands of government doctors in the State is the grant of pay band – 4 at 12 years of service as per the Government Order (G.O.) 354. President of the LCC S. Perumal Pillai, in a statement said, government doctors were not calling for salary hike, but were fighting for the implementation of the existing G.O. They are requesting the government to provide the fourth payscale — given after 20 years of service — at the beginning of the 13th year. Pay disparity The Central and State government doctors join service at the same basic salary. Citing the pay disparities thereon, LCC said that instead of the monthly salary of ₹1,23,000 that a Central government doctor gets for 13 years, a State government doctor receives ₹86,000 as basic salary. From 2017, they have been insisting that the prospective clause of the G.O. 354 be implemented, and a basic salary of ₹1,23,000 be given to State government doctors from the 13th year onward. 'Appoint more doctors' The organisation said the government, which is interested in opening new medical colleges and hospitals, has not shown interest in appointing an adequate number of doctors, nurses, and medical staff. Depending on the number of patients, more doctors and nurses should be appointed in government hospitals, it said. It also demanded that a government job be given and relief granted to the wife of Vivekanandan, a government doctor who died during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the march planned from Mettur in Salem, the doctors will meet people and elaborate their demands. They will also highlight the need to strengthen the structure of the Public Health Department. The members of the LCC have requested the Chief Minister to immediately intervene and fulfil the doctors' demands.
