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Newsweek

COVID-19 NB 1.8.1 Variant: Symptoms To Watch For As Virus Surges

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A new strain of COVID-19 prevalent in China has been identified in multiple areas in the United States. The new strain—known as COVID-19 NB 1.8.1—was first detected in China in January this year, and on May 23 the World Health Organization (WHO) classified it as a variant "under monitoring," as it is increasing globally. Now the strain has been reported in the US, arriving with international travelers to California, New York City, Virginia and Washington; Other cases have been reported in Hawaii, Ohio and Rhode Island, according to the New York Post. A spokesperson for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) told Newsweek that the organization "is aware of reported cases of COVID-19 NB.1.8.1 in China and is in regular contact with international partners. "There have been fewer than 20 sequences of NB.1.8.1 in the U.S. 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." Infectious disease expert and CEO of Wellness and Equity Alliance, Dr. Tyler B Evans, explained to Newsweek: "At this point, there's no need for panic, but continued vigilance is critical. "Viruses adapt. That's their job. Ours is to stay prepared. The best defense remains up-to-date vaccination, testing when symptomatic, masking in crowded indoor spaces, and staying home when sick." Pictured: Stock image of a person taking a rapid antigen test for Covid-19, and, inset, stock illustration of a Coronavirus mutation. Pictured: Stock image of a person taking a rapid antigen test for Covid-19, and, inset, stock illustration of a Coronavirus mutation. oatawa/ Images Evans, author of upcoming book Pandemics, Poverty, and Politics Decoding the Social and Political Drivers of Pandemics from Plague to COVID-19, said the new strain is "being monitored as part of the evolving Omicron lineage." When it comes to symptoms of the new NB.1.8.1 COVID-19 strain, he said "there's no clear evidence that this subvariant presents dramatically different symptoms from other recent strains. "We're still seeing common indicators like sore throat, nasal congestion, fatigue, and cough. In some cases, especially among unvaccinated or immunocompromised individuals, symptoms can escalate to more severe respiratory distress." According to the CDC, the following symptoms are common with COVID-19 in general: Fever or chills Cough Shortness of breath Sore throat Congestion, runny nose New loss of taste or smell Fatigue Muscle or body aches Headache Nausea or vomiting Diarrhea The CDC warns, however, that this list does not include all possible symptoms, and that symptoms may change with new variants. They said the list will continue to be updated as they learn more about any potential new strains or symptoms. Dr Evans told Newsweek: "If you or a loved one is experiencing difficulty breathing, chest pain, or bluish lips or face, contact your doctor immediately or call 911. Early intervention can save lives. Read more The COVID symptoms to watch for in 2025 The COVID symptoms to watch for in 2025 "Public health guidance hasn't changed, but our attention to it should remain sharp," he said. "Trust the science. Listen to the experts. And above all, stay informed and take care of one another." Currently, the most prevalent COVID-19 variant in the US is the LP.8.1, which made up 70 percent of reported cases between April 26 and May 10, according to the CDC website. The WHO states that currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective against the NB 1.8.1 variant, and current data does not indicate that it leads to a more severe illness than other variants in circulation. Do you have a tip on a science story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about immunology? Let us know via science@