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Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
New Covid variant 'under monitoring' after spike in cases and hospitalisations
First identified in January, NB. 1.8.1 is spreading quickly across multiple countries, leading to an increase in cases and hospitalisations, the World Health Organisation said A new coronavirus variant has been labelled as "under monitoring" by the World Health Organisation following a spike in cases and hospitalisations. First identified on January 22 2025, NB. 1.8.1 is a derivative of the Omicron strain. The variant is causing concern among health experts after being identified in multiple countries including popular holiday destinations like Egypt, Thailand and the Maldives. The WHO has warned that the new strain is now responsible for more than 10 per cent of all infections and is already the dominant strain in Hong Kong and China. The Centre of Disease Control (CDC) in the US has also identified cases in a number of states including New York, California, Arizona, Ohio, Washington, and Rhode Island. Despite saying that the variant is currently being monitored, WHO said in their report that the current risk to the public is deemed to be low - and currently approved vaccines are expected to "remain effective to this variant against symptomatic and severe disease." WHO said that despite an increase in cases and hospitalisations, currently there is no indication that this variant leads to more severe illness than other variants in circulation. Even though NB.1.8.1 has been found in popular holiday destinations, the WHO says there is no need for travel or trade restrictions at this time, Wales Online reports. The organisation urges countries to stay alert and adjust their responses as needed, but does not recommend closing borders or limiting travel. The official report states: "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." Health experts at the CDC say that symptoms may vary in accordance with the variant, however they will likely be similar to the typical symptoms of Covid-19. These include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, new loss of taste or smell, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, nausea or vomiting, diarrhoea. This week, 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." Professor Herrero explained: "It's possible a person infected with NB.1.8.1 may be more likely to pass the virus on to someone else, compared to earlier variants. The evidence so far suggests NB.1.8.1 may spread more easily and may partially sidestep immunity from prior infections or vaccination. These factors could explain its rise in sequencing data. "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. Common symptoms include sore throat, fatigue, fever, mild cough, muscle aches and nasal congestion. Gastrointestinal symptoms may also occur in some cases." The WHO report reads: "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."
ABC News
3 days ago
- Health
- ABC News
New COVID-19 variant NB.1.8.1 'pretty much everywhere' in Australia
Australians are being urged to get their COVID-19 booster as a new coronavirus variant drives up infections. The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated the new NB.1.8.1 strain as a "variant under monitoring" and it's now the dominant variant in China and Hong Kong. Griffith University virologist Associate Professor Lara Herrero said the new strain could possibly overtake others in Australia too. "The new strain is now the dominant coronavirus strain in China and Hong Kong and, in Australia, we're seeing it pretty much everywhere. "There is a prediction that this might start taking over other strains, but it's early days, so we'll just wait and see." Currently the new variant makes up more than 40 per cent of total COVID cases tested in Victoria, around 25 per cent in Western Australia and New South Wales, around 20 per cent in Queensland and less than 10 per cent in South Australia. "We're seeing a lot of cases in the community coming through the [emergency department] but it's likely we're heavily under-reporting because COVID reporting is no longer mandatory," Dr Herrero said. More than five years since COVID was declared a pandemic, Australia is still experiencing regular infections and Dr Herrero said case numbers had been slowly rising since May. In the past six months, only 6.6 per cent of adults have received a COVID vaccine, according to federal data. "This new strain is a sublineage of Omicron and descends from the JN1 variant, which is what the current vaccine protects against," she said. "The flu is nasty this season too so I'd very strongly recommend everyone get their yearly flu vaccine and JN1 COVID booster — it's the best way you're going to be protected if you haven't had COVID in the last six months. "As the virus mutates, it gets a little sneakier and better at evading our immune response and antibodies. Australian Medical Association NSW chair of public health Dr Michael Bonning said early reports showed the variant had a higher infection rate, but that existing vaccines were still effective. "Individual variants are probably less important than overall societal factors such as whether people are keeping up to date with boosters," he said. Dr Bonning said respiratory infections were up nationally. "We are expecting a spike in cases over the coming weeks with an expectation of a particularly difficult winter respiratory season because of what we have seen in the northern hemisphere," he said. "In New South Wales, in the past week there was an increase of 29.2 per cent in COVID-19 notifications, an increase of 25.9 per cent in influenza notifications, and an increase of 9.7 per cent in RSV notifications." According to WHO, NB.1.8.1 was first detected in January. It was declared a variant under monitoring earlier this month. "That is not done with every variant — not at all — it's ones that have specific mutations or if we have extra data that it might evade the immune system or transmit better," Dr Herrero said. "In this case, we've got mutations in the spike protein that seems to be making it easier for this virus to attach to our cells and it seems to be making this virus evade our antibodies better." Dr Herraro said there was no evidence to suggest the symptoms of the new strain were worse than other variants. "We're still seeing the same symptoms like fevers, cough, runny nose, headaches, some people are getting whole body aches and some are getting gastro symptoms," she said. "We're probably all getting tired of these sorts of messages but I'd just say to people, just be vigilant before you get sick because that's how you protect yourself. "Wash your hands, don't go out in public if you're sick and spread it to everyone, get your vaccines if you want them. If you've got a cough or cold I'd wear a mask because you don't want to share that with other people."
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."
Irish Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Health
- Irish Daily Mirror
Ireland confirms new Covid variant with strange symptoms that's spreading fast
A new Covid variant with unusual symptoms has been confirmed in Ireland, with experts warning it is spreading rapidly across the globe. Ireland's Health Protection Surveillance Centre has reported 14 cases of the strain, named NB.1.8.1, in the last five weeks. While numbers here remain low, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has sounded the alarm as the variant now accounts for more than 10% of global Covid infections. NB.1.8.1 has been officially designated a 'variant under monitoring' by the WHO due to its rapid rise and the potential to evade immunity from previous infections or vaccines. It is already the dominant strain in Hong Kong and China, and has been detected in Australia, the US and across popular holiday destinations including Egypt, Thailand and the Maldives. According to WHO data, the strain has jumped from 2.5% to 10.7% of submitted global sequences in just four weeks, which has prompted growing international concern. A WHO spokesperson 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 say NB.1.8.1 carries multiple mutations that "may infect cells more efficiently than earlier strains". Dr Lara Herrero, Associate Professor and Virology Research Leader at Griffith University, explained: "It's possible a person infected with NB.1.8.1 may be more likely to pass the virus on to someone else, compared to earlier variants. The evidence so far suggests NB.1.8.1 may spread more easily and may partially sidestep immunity from prior infections or vaccination. These factors could explain its rise in sequencing data. "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." While we are all familiar with the classic Covid signs like fever, cough and fatigue, the new variant is reported to trigger gastrointestinal symptoms in some patients - a strange shift from the typical respiratory focus of earlier strains. Dr Herrero added: "Common symptoms include sore throat, fatigue, fever, mild cough, muscle aches and nasal congestion. Gastrointestinal symptoms may also occur in some cases." Gastrointestinal symptoms can include abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and heartburn. This comes as the HSE has reminded the Irish public to be aware of the wide range of Covid symptoms, which it says now include: If you have any symptoms of Covid, Ireland's current advice is to stay at home until 48 hours after the symptoms are mostly or fully gone. You should also avoid contact with other people, especially people at higher risk from Covid. The WHO has urged countries to stay alert but has not recommended any travel or trade restrictions at this stage, stating: "Based on the current risk assessment of this event, WHO advises against imposing travel or trade restrictions."
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Warning to Brits as new Covid strain spreads in three popular holiday destinations
The World Health Organisation (WHO) says the new variant has been detected in multiple countries. A warning has been issued to British tourists after a new strain of Coronavirus hit multiple countries. The contagious virus has been detected in holiday destinations which are popular with UK holidaymakers. The new strain is being found in large numbers in the Eastern Mediterranean, an area including the popular holiday destination of Egypt. It is also being detected in South East Asia - including in Thailand and the Maldives. The World Health Organisation (WHO) said the symptoms of this particular Covid strain appears to be spreading quicker and easier than previous variants. In their recent alert, the WHO said the new strain has been responsible for more than 10 percent of all infections with cases now surging. The variant has been labelled as NB.1.8.1 by the WHO and said they are currently monitoring the spike in cases. NB.1.8.1 is reportedly already the dominant strain of Covid in Hong Kong and China, according to the Mirror. Lara Herrero Associate Professor and Research Leader in Virology and Infectious Disease, at Griffith University said thanks to multiple mutations the new strain 'may infect cells more efficiently than earlier strains'. The strain has been detected in multiple countries, including Australia, the US and possibly the UK. Professor Herrero said: "It's possible a person infected with NB.1.8.1 may be more likely to pass the virus on to someone else, compared to earlier variants. The evidence so far suggests NB.1.8.1 may spread more easily and may partially sidestep immunity from prior infections or vaccination. "These factors could explain its rise in sequencing data. "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. "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 reads: "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." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. 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. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. The WHO said recent increases have also been observed in Cambodia, China, Hong Kong and Singapore. The report reads: " 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. "Based on the current risk assessment of this event, WHO advises against imposing travel or trade restrictions."
