4 days ago
Fast-spreading new Covid variant with unusual symptoms confirmed in Ireland
A fresh Covid variant sporting atypical signs has been spotted in Ireland, with experts flagging its swift global transmission.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre of Ireland has identified 14 instances of the new strain, dubbed NB. 1.8.1, within the past five weeks. Although the figures in Ireland remain modest, the World Health Organisation (WHO) is raising concerns as this variant now represents over 10% of worldwide Covid cases, reports the Irish Mirror.
The WHO has classified NB. 1.81 as a 'variant under monitoring' due to its speedy spread and possible resistance to immunity from previous infections or vaccinations. The strain is currently predominant in Hong Kong and China, and cases have appeared in Australia, the US and various holiday hotspots such as Egypt, Thailand, and the Maldives.
WHO statistics indicate that in a matter of four weeks, the proportion of this variant among all submitted global sequences has surged from 2.5% to 10.7%, triggering heightened international alarm. A representative for the WHO said: "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."
Experts are flagging that the new NB. 1.8.1 variant boasts multiple mutations that "may infect cells more efficiently than earlier strains".
"But 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."
Diverging from the well-known Covid symptoms such as fever, cough, and tiredness, the latest variant seems to be causing gastrointestinal issues in certain patients – marking a departure from the usual respiratory symptoms associated with previous strains.
Dr Herrero noted: "Common symptoms include sore throat, fatigue, fever, mild cough, muscle aches and nasal congestion. Gastrointestinal symptoms may also occur in some cases."
These gastrointestinal symptoms can span from abdominal pain and bloating to nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation and indigestion. Amidst this development, the HSE is advising people in Ireland to stay vigilant about the extensive list of Covid symptoms, which now reportedly includes:
fever (high temperature - 38C or above) - including having chills
dry cough
fatigue (tiredness)
loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this could mean they're completely gone or just different to normal
nasal congestion (runny or blocked nose)
conjunctivitis (also known as red eye or pink eye)
sore throat
headache
muscle or joint pain (aches and pains)
different types of skin rash
nausea or vomiting
diarrhoea
chills
dizziness
shortness of breath or breathing difficulties
loss of appetite
confusion
pain or pressure in the chest
The current guidance for those showing signs of Covid in Ireland is to remain isolated at home until you're symptom-free for 48 hours. It's also crucial to steer clear of others, particularly those at increased risk from Covid.
Whilst the WHO calls for continued vigilance among nations, they've stopped short of recommending restrictions on travel or trade, communicating: "Based on the current risk assessment of this event, WHO advises against imposing travel or trade restrictions."
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