US Reports Cases Of New COVID-19 Variant NB.1.8.1 Linked To Surge In China
Several cases of the new COVID-19 variant-- which has been linked to a large surge of viral infection in China-- have been detected at US airports, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Cases linked to the NB.1.8.1 variant of COVID-19 were detected through the CDC's airport screening program in foreign travellers arriving at airports in Washington state, California, the New York City area and Virginia, according to CBS News.
According to data available on the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID), most of the cases are stemming from travellers from countries, including Japan, South Korea, France, China, and others. The testing was done between April 22 and May 12.
Moreover, cases of the NB.1.8.1 variant have also been reported in other US states, including Ohio, Rhode Island and Hawaii, the CBS report said. These cases are reportedly separate from the airport cases.
Health authorities in the US are now closely monitoring the variant, which is now dominant in China and is on the rise in parts of Asia, including Hong Kong, where Covid-19 cases have climbed to the worst levels seen in at least a year.
Early studies show that NB.1.8.1-- which is part of the JN.1 group of variants-- may spread more easily than other variants. However, it doesn't seem to cause severe illness, and many vaccines in the market already target it.
Cases Low In The US For Now
"CDC is aware of reported cases of COVID-19 NB.1.8.1 in China and is in regular contact with international partners," a spokesperson of the American health agency said in a statement.
However, in a separate statement to Fox News Digital, the CDC spokesperson said that there have been fewer than 20 sequences of NB.1.8.1 in the US baseline surveillance data to date, so it has not met the threshold for inclusion in the COVID Data Tracker dashboard.
"We monitor all SARS-CoV-2 sequences, and if it increases in proportion, it will appear on the Data Tracker dashboard," they said.
Meanwhile, authorities in the US are also monitoring a variant called XFC, which has been significantly growing in the country. Authorities have warned that the evolution of the virus has been unpredictable, even as the US has settled into a relatively predictable pattern of two surges a year-- once in the summer and once over the winter.
COVID-19 Deaths Are High
Per the CDC's data, coronavirus infection has killed an average of 350 Americans every week over the last month. The agency said that while the casualties are significant, infections are declining and are less than the peak of 25,974 deaths that took place in the week ending January 9, 2021, as well as weekly deaths that occurred in prior spring months.
The experts said that some of the high death rates in the US due to viral infection may be attributed to low vaccination uptake, waning immunity and not enough people accessing treatments.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mint
13 minutes ago
- Mint
Brazilian woman shares love story with Indian man, says ‘Different cultures but…'
A love story between a Brazilian woman and an Indian man is melting hearts everywhere. A video shows how the two, defying all challenges and stereotypes, met on social media during Covid and got married within five months of knowing each other. The user named Taina Shah took to her Instagram account to share a couple of pictures documenting their journey. "We share our multicultural love story, break taboos, and speak up for open minds about colourism. We celebrate a love that crosses cultures, challenges stereotypes, and inspires others to embrace diversity," Shah wrote in the post. She highlighted her first meeting with her now husband during Covid, when he travelled to Brazil to meet her at a time when there were no vaccines yet. "We fell in love and got married just five months after we met. When you know, you know," Shah added. The duo tied the knot in Brazil in the presence of her husband's Gujarati family, whose blessings she said had been with them from the start of their relationship. "We came from different cultures but our values are the same. Our love and admiration grow stronger every day. Thankful to the universe for guiding our souls together," she wrote. The post quickly went viral on social media, racking up thousands of likes and hundreds of comments, with netizens pouring in congratulatory messages. "Love is love, no matter how far it is. Congratulations both of you," said one user, while another added: "Absolutely beautiful, bless you both." A third commented: "Such a warm love story. I hope the love only grows with each passing year. Here's wishing you both a long life together filled with love, laughter and good health." A fourth said: "Many similarities in both cultures: sense of strong family values, faith, commitment, and dance. Good to see this beautiful, happy couple."
NDTV
an hour ago
- NDTV
Brazilian Woman Married To Indian Man Shares Her Love Story: 'When You Know'
A Brazilian woman married to an Indian man has revealed the heartwarming story of their relationship, marriage and the intermingling of the different cultures. The user named Taina Shah took to her Instagram account to share her multicultural love story and the journey she had undertaken with her Gujarati husband. We share our multicultural love story, break taboos, and speak up for open minds about colourism. We celebrate a love that crosses cultures, challenges stereotypes, and inspires others to embrace diversity," Ms Shah wrote in the post. She mentioned that they both first connected online in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The first meeting took place when her now-husband travelled to Brazil to meet her when there were no vaccines yet. "We fell in love and got married just five months after we met. When you know, you know," Ms Shah added. The wedding took place in Brazil, with her husband's Indian family blessing the union and being supportive of the relationship from the beginning. "We came from different cultures but our values are the same. Our love and admiration grow stronger every day. Thankful to the universe for guiding our souls together," she wrote. See the viral post here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tainá Shah (@tainashah) Also Read | Indian Man's Heartfelt Reason For Marrying American Woman Goes Viral: 'When I First Met You...' 'Love is love' As the post went viral, garnering thousands of likes and hundreds of comments, social media users expressed happiness and congratulated the couple for their journey. "Love is love, no matter how far it is. Congratulations both of you," said one user while another added: "Absolutely beautiful, bless you both." A third commented: "Such a warm love story. I hope the love only grows with each passing year. Here's wishing you both a long life together filled with love, laughter and good health." A fourth said: "Many similarities in both cultures: sense of strong family values, faith, commitment, and dance. Good to see this beautiful, happy couple."
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Craving some burger and chips? According to the AHA, these are the best and worst ultra-processed foods one can eat
Craving that juicy burger and crispy chips? Who isn't! Who'd have the strength to resist biting into a meaty piece of patty with loaded different toppings and condiments, while munching on the crispiness of the chips in between? Well, we might not have the will to say no to that good a meal, but as it turns out, we should be – for the sake of our health. Ultra-processed foods have sparked debate among nutrition experts, especially after a government report in May linked them to many chronic illnesses. The American Heart Association (AHA) has now issued a helpful new advisory detailing which ultra-processed foods are 'better,' which are 'worse,' and what that means for your health. So, before you dive in, hold that ketchup and read on. What are ultra-processed foods ? Ultra-processed foods (UPF) are industrially manufactured items made from food substances, often with added chemicals, that are far removed from their natural state. They typically contain ingredients like artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, and texture enhancers, which are rarely or never used in home cooking. Some examples of UPFs include soda, chips, packaged snacks, fast food, and commercially baked goods. In short, think of anything in the section of junk food, almost all of them come under the category of UPF. Now, the new AHA report reflects a growing concern in the health community, especially since ultra-processed foods make up as much as 70% of our food supply. 'Ultra-processed foods are such a large part of the American diet, and whatever we can do to steer our diet toward healthier options would be beneficial to our cardiovascular health,' says Cheng-Han Chen, M.D., interventional cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, CA, as reported by Prevention. So, which ultra-processed foods are less risky, and how should you adjust your diet? Types of foods Foods, based on how much processing they undergo, are ranked using the NOVA system: Unprocessed or minimally processed: Foods close to their natural state, like fruit, vegetables, and milk. Processed culinary ingredients: Items like oils or sugar derived from Group 1 foods, used in cooking. Processed foods: Foods changed by adding ingredients like salt or sugar, such as cheese or canned vegetables. Ultra-processed foods (UPFs): Industrially made items with many ingredients often not used at home, like high-fructose corn syrup, preservatives, artificial flavors, and colors. What does the report say The AHA describes ultra-processed foods as a rising public health issue. Most UPFs are high in saturated fat, added sugar, and sodium (HFSS), factors linked to heart disease, diabetes, stroke, obesity, and inflammation. Research also ties high UPF diets to higher rates of chronic illness and death. But the advisory also notes that not all UPFs are equally harmful; some may even offer health benefits. Experts say it's important to focus less on the broad category and more on identifying UPFs that are especially risky. So, is there any demarcation among the platter of ultra-processed foods? Turns out, there is. The healthiest ultra-processed foods Although the AHA doesn't call these foods healthy, it labels them as better choices within the UPF group. Examples of such foods include: Whole-grain breads and crackers are low in salt Yogurts with low sugar Tomato sauces Nut- or bean-based spreads Dry-roasted flavored chickpeas Dried fruit snacks without added sugar High-fiber, unsweetened cereals Plant-based alternatives like soy milk and tofu are low in salt, sugar, and saturated fat As Keri Gans, R.D., puts it, as reported by Prevention, 'Some ultra-processed foods can provide essential nutrients. In contrast, others are loaded with added sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats. Knowing the difference helps you choose options that work best for your health and your lifestyle.' Danbee Kim, M.D., adds that these foods 'can actually provide useful nutrients and help people get affordable, convenient foods—especially when fresh options are harder to find.' Labeling some UPFs as more acceptable may help people make better choices instead of rejecting the entire group. Kathleen Moore, R.D.N., explains, 'Labeling all ultra-processed foods as 'bad' may discourage the consumption of some nutrient-rich convenient options... Sometimes it is useful to use some ultra-processed foods to save time or to incorporate balanced meal options when fresh foods are limited.' The least healthy ultra-processed foods As per the AHA, these should be limited or, better, avoided: Chicken nuggets, sausages, hot dogs Sugar-sweetened drinks Liquid cheese products Cookies, candies, gummy snacks Refined white breads and tortillas Ice cream and other dairy desserts Packaged ready-to-heat meals (e.g., boxed macaroni and cheese, frozen pizzas) Chips made from potatoes or tortillas Now comes the big question… Can you eat 'healthy' UPFs often? The simplest way to answer this question is not really. According to experts, yes, you can eat those UPFs – but always in moderation and never in abundance. As per Keri Gans, as reported by Prevention, 'These can provide beneficial nutrients and fit into a balanced diet. However, still pair them with plenty of whole and minimally processed foods for optimal health.' Dr. Chen agrees that whole foods should form the core of your diet, and these processed options should simply play a supporting role. Kathleen Moore adds that more than half of the diet should be unprocessed or minimally processed, especially for those with busy lives. Meanwhile, Dr. Kim suggests viewing 'healthier' UPFs as tools to help keep a balanced, practical diet, but not the main dish. How to cut back on ultra-processed foods As health experts always highlight how consuming UPFs on a regular basis is not good for health, it is also important to understand how you can cut down on those deliciously tempting food items. Here's how: Start with whole foods: Keep canned tomatoes, beans, oatmeal, fruits, vegetables, and grains at home. Gans recommends swapping white bread for 100% whole-grain. Cut the worst UPFs first: Sugary drinks, processed meats, sweets, and salty snacks should be the first to go. Make gradual improvements: Dr. Kim advises, 'It's about progress, not perfection. Swap out the unhealthy ones first, make room for healthier stand-ins when needed, and keep working toward a diet built mostly from whole, real foods.' The American Heart Association's latest advisory offers clarity: not all ultra-processed foods are equally unhealthy. While chicken nuggets and soda are the villains of this story, whole-grain breads, low-sugar yogurts, and plant-based milks can be secret heroes. It's all about smart swaps, tasty balance, and enjoying food without sacrificing your heart. In short, craving taste and convenience doesn't mean compromising health; you just need to choose wisely! 5 Vegetables that can help women to lose more weight
