Latest news with #LP.8.1
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
New COVID variant NB.1.8.1 spreading fast in the U.S — is your vaccine effective? Will there be a summer surge?
A new COVID variant, NB.1.8.1, is gaining traction in the United States just as summer approaches. Despite its rarity, it appears to be more transmissible than current strains. While not yet dominant, officials are closely monitoring its expansion and potential impact on public health. Although experts say it's too soon to predict whether the virus will lead to more COVID cases this summer, health officials are closely monitoring the variant as it spreads throughout the world. NB.1.8.1 is categorized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a "variant under monitoring." A descendant of the Omicron JN.1 lineage, NB.1.8.1 was first identified in late January and has experienced a dramatic increase in cases worldwide in recent weeks, as per a report by Health. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Mountain Gear for Extreme Conditions Trek Kit India Learn More Undo How serious is NB.1.8.1 compared to other variants? The WHO's latest data shows that between April 21 and April 27, 10.7% of all sequenced COVID cases worldwide were caused by NB.1.8.1, up from 2.5% just one month earlier. According to Shira Doron, MD, chief infection control officer at Tufts Medicine, the variant is genetically distinct from LP.8.1, the dominant strain currently found in the United States. Live Events The variant may increase cases this summer because it seems more contagious than LP.8.1, the strain that is most prevalent globally. It appears to be no more effective than LP.8.1, though, at avoiding immunity from vaccinations or previous infections. The World Health Organization (WHO) has concluded that it does not present an additional health risk because it has not discovered any evidence that it causes more serious illness. What are the symptoms of NB.1.8.1? Experts concur that NB.1.8.1 symptoms resemble those of other COVID infections. The majority of NB.1.8.1 patients should anticipate the following symptoms: Chills or fever, coughing, congestion and sore throat, weariness, breathing difficulties and diarrhea. The good news is that NB.1.8.1 doesn't seem to make people sicker than earlier versions. Could there be a summer COVID surge? While now accounting for only a small portion of U.S. cases, specialists are closely monitoring NB.1.8.1. Six spike protein mutations are present in the variation, which may improve its ability to spread and elude antibodies. According to Amy Edwards, MD, an infectious disease specialist and assistant professor of pediatrics at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, those mutations and early data point to NB.1.8.1 being marginally more transmissible, as per a report by NBC News. However, because of NB.1.8.1 or another variation, the number of COVID cases in the United States is probably going to increase this summer. Over the past few years, COVID has experienced two significant increases: one in the mid-to-late summer and another in the winter, Schaffner said, in contrast to influenza, which has one significant increase annually in the winter. Are NB.1.8.1 and current vaccines still effective? Experts say that current vaccines provide some protection, and the variant does not appear to be more severe. Some protection against NB.1.8.1 should come from preexisting immunity from vaccinations or previous infections. The Food and Drug Administration has asked drugmakers to update Covid vaccines to target the LP.8.1 variant this fall. Data from Pfizer and Moderna suggest the updated vaccines would offer protection against NB.1.8.1 as well. However, the FDA has said it will limit its approval of updated Covid shots to older adults and younger people with a medical condition that puts them at risk of severe illness. Doctors worry that pregnant people and children under 5 may be vulnerable to severe outcomes from Covid this winter. Even healthy adults who've been vaccinated before might not have optimal protection. According to Doron, new COVID booster shots from Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax are also being developed and should be available in the early fall. Preliminary results indicate that they will be effective against NB.1.8.1 and other more prevalent strains in the United States. FAQs Does the new variant result in more severe illness? No, NB.1.8.1 does not appear to result in more severe symptoms than previous variants. Will current vaccines protect me from it? Yes, existing vaccines and boosters should provide some protection against NB.1.8.1.
Dublin Live
2 days ago
- Health
- Dublin Live
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." Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
India Today
2 days ago
- Health
- India Today
All about the new Covid variant
All about the new Covid variant May 30, 2025 Credit: Generative AI With the recent surge of Covid-19 in parts of India and across the globe, health experts are closely monitoring a new variant of the virus: NB.1.8.1. Credit: Getty Images New Covid variant This subvariant of Omicron has shown early signs of being more immune-evasive than its predecessors, meaning it may be better at escaping the body's defences. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), NB.1.8.1 has been classified as a 'variant under monitoring." One reason NB.1.8.1 is raising alarms is its increased transmissibility and immune evasion capacity. "NB.1.8.1 is believed to be about 1.5 times more contagious than the previous LP.8.1 variant," Gautam Menon, dean of research and professor of physics and biology at Ashoka University, told A preliminary study reveals that a mix of stronger cell attachment and weaker immune response means the variant can spread more easily. Credit: Credit Name There is currently no indication that NB.1.8.1 causes more severe disease, since most cases are presenting mild symptoms. Mild symptoms The new variant causes flu-like symptoms: cough, cold, core throat, fever, headaches, body aches and in some cases stomach issues. Doctors have said that people don't vaccine or a booster shot just yet. Need a booster shot?
India Today
2 days ago
- Health
- India Today
How the new Covid variant NB.1.8.1 affects immunity: What you need to know
With the recent surge of Covid-19 in parts of India and across the globe, health experts are closely monitoring a new variant of the virus: NB.1.8.1. This subvariant of Omicron has shown early signs of being more immune-evasive than its predecessors, meaning it may be better at escaping the body's defences, even in people who are vaccinated or previously to the World Health Organisation (WHO), NB.1.8.1 has been classified as a 'variant under monitoring', a category for strains that carry genetic changes that may affect virus behaviour, but which have not yet shown a significant public health early studies and expert analysis suggest that NB.1.8.1 could pose a new challenge in managing Covid-19's spread due to its ability to partially evade immune protection. WHAT IS NB.1.8.1?NB.1.8.1 is part of the Omicron lineage, closely related to other recent subvariants such as LP.8.1 and variant has already been widely reported in China, Thailand, and other East Asian countries, and has also been detected in travelers from France, Japan, the Netherlands, Spain, South Korea, and Taiwan, according to data from the GISAID global database. It is also circulating in several parts of SCIENTISTS CONCERNED?One reason NB.1.8.1 is raising alarms is its increased transmissibility and immune evasion capacity."Right now, the reasons for its increased transmissivity are unclear, although the fraction of new cases accounted for by this variant have rapidly increased over the past few weeks,' Gautam Menon, dean of research and professor of physics and biology at Ashoka University, told NB.1.8.1 has been classified as a advertisement'NB.1.8.1 is believed to be about 1.5 times more contagious than the previous LP.8.1 variant. It is currently unknown whether immune protection from the JN.1 vaccine may transfer to NB.1.8.1," Menon WHO has also noted that NB.1.8.1 appears to be more immune-evasive than LP.8.1, a descendant of JN.1, raising concerns about whether current vaccines can still offer sufficient DOES IT EVADE IMMUNITY?Virologist Lara Herrero of Griffith University discussed preliminary findings from a lab-based study (not yet peer-reviewed), which could help explain why NB.1.8.1 is spreading so rapidly."Researchers found NB.1.8.1 had the strongest binding affinity to the human ACE2 receptor of several variants tested, suggesting it may infect cells more efficiently than earlier strains," she wrote in The same study also examined how antibodies from either vaccination or past infection responded to the variant. Results showed that NB.1.8.1 was 1.5 times less susceptible to neutralisation compared to LP.8.1.1, meaning the body's immune response was weaker against it. The WHO has also noted that NB.1.8.1 appears to be more immune-evasive than LP.8.1, a descendant of JN.1, raising concerns about whether current vaccines can still offer sufficient protection. () This mix of stronger cell attachment and weaker immune response means the variant can spread more easily, even among people who already have some there is currently no indication that NB.1.8.1 causes more severe disease, since most cases are presenting mild symptoms, its ability to spread more efficiently and bypass some immune defences highlights the need for continued surveillance, updated vaccines, and public is a need to continue to monitor its growth across regions, and vaccine developers may need to adapt formulations if NB.1.8.1 becomes widespread InMust Watch
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Health
- Wales Online
New Covid subvariant NB.1.8.1 hits three popular holiday spots and these are the symptoms
New Covid subvariant NB.1.8.1 hits three popular holiday spots and these are the symptoms The highly-infectious new Covid strain - officially named NB.1.8.1 - has been detected in multiple countries, including Australia, the US and possibly the UK Some travellers may be affected The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a warning over a surge in Covid cases, with a new variant now accounting for more than 10% of all infections. But is says that no travel or trade restrictions are needed. The WHO has labelled the new strain NB. 1.8. 1 as a 'variant under monitoring' due to concerns about the sharp increase in cases. By the end of April, 2025, NB.1.8.1 made up approximately 10.7% of all submitted sequences – a significant rise from just 2.5% four weeks previously. It is already the dominant strain in Hong Kong and China. Lara Herrero, associate professor and research leader in virology and infectious disease at Griffith University, said that thanks to multiple mutations, the new strain 'may infect cells more efficiently than earlier strains', reports the Mirror. The strain has been identified in several countries, including Australia, the US and potentially the UK. Sign up for our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here. "However, 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," Lara Herroro said. "Common symptoms include sore throat, fatigue, fever, mild cough, muscle aches and nasal congestion. Gastrointestinal symptoms may also occur in some cases." A WHO report explains: "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." The update also highlighted that the emerging strain is finding traction especially in the eastern Mediterranean, covering popular holiday spots such as Egypt. It's gaining ground too in South East Asia, hitting destinations like Thailand and the Maldives. The WHO pointed out upward trends in other regions including Cambodia, China, Hong Kong and Singapore. "WHO recommends that countries remain vigilant, adapt to evolving epidemiological trends, and leverage COVID-19 management strategies to strengthen systems for all respiratory disease threats. Member States should continue offering COVID-19 vaccines in line with WHO recommendations. Article continues below "Based on the current risk assessment of this event, WHO advises against imposing travel or trade restrictions."
