Latest news with #SubhashVerma
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
A new COVID-19 variant, vaccine changes: What to know in 2025
Like it or not, COVID-19 is still a public health issue five years after the start of the pandemic flipped the nation, and the world, on its head. Changing vaccination guidelines, ever-evolving variants and strains, threats to health insurance and more mean COVID is still very much a regular conversation on the lips of lawmakers, regulators and the general public. More than 40,000 positive tests were reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in May, and while hospitalizations and deaths are fortunately down significantly since the pandemic's peak, vulnerable people are still grappling with limiting their risk amid changing practices. Here is a brief recap of the status of COVID cases, variants and vaccines in the U.S. as of June 4, 2025. According to the most recent data on the CDC's COVID Data Tracker dashboard, there were 735 confirmed COVID-19 deaths in May 2025 as of May 24. In the four weeks leading up to May 24, 3% of 1,344,681 COVID tests administered nationwide were positive. In January, a new COVID-19 variant known as NB.1.8.1 was first detected in China. As of mid-May, the variant had reached 10.7% of global reported COVID-19 cases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). As of May 27, less than 20 cases of NB.1.8.1 had been reported in the U.S., a CDC spokesperson told USA TODAY. This figure is too low to be added to the CDC's COVID Data Tracker dashboard, the spokesperson added, though they did not clarify the threshold for adding new variants to the dashboard. New COVID variant in China: Here's what to know about NB.1.8.1 NB.1.8.1 is one of the latest variants of COVID-19, a "slightly upgraded version" of the LP.8.1 variant that is prominent right now, Subhash Verma, microbiology and immunology professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, previously told USA TODAY. For comparison, LP.8.1 made up 70% of reported COVID-19 cases in the U.S. between April 26 and May 10, as reported by the CDC. Verma said NB.1.8.1 may be able to be transferred more easily than LP.8.1. Additionally, he said that NB.1.8.1 is able to evade antibodies created by vaccines or past infections more easily than LP.8.1. The variant has similar symptoms to other strains, including fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, sore throat, congestion or a runny nose, new loss of taste or smell, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, nausea or vomiting. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said on May 27 that the COVID-19 vaccine would no longer be included in the CDC's recommended immunization schedule for healthy children and pregnant women, a move that broke with previous expert guidance and bypassed the normal scientific review process. Under the changes, the only people who will be recommended for COVID-19 vaccines are those over 65 and people with existing health problems. This could make it harder for others who want the COVID-19 vaccine to get it, including health care workers and healthy people under 65 with a vulnerable family member or those who want to reduce their short-term risk of infection. RFK changes vaccine recommendations: Want a COVID vaccine? It could cost you $200. Insurance coverage typically follows federal recommendations, so anyone who is healthy and under 65 is likely to have to pay out of pocket to get the shot, which runs about $200, if they can get it. It's not clear what insurance companies will do about the new recommendations. RFK Jr. is a vaccine skeptic known for making false claims about vaccination and other medical practices. Under his leadership and the Trump administration, the FDA canceled the advisory meeting of independent experts who usually gather to formulate new flu shots annually and nixed a contract with Moderna to develop a bird flu vaccine amid the spread. He also pushed false claims about MMR vaccines as measles, previously eradicated in the U.S., began erupting in states across the country, causing the first death in a decade. It is not yet known how accessible the COVID-19 vaccine will be moving forward. Contributing: Karen Weintraub, Sudiksha Kochi, USA TODAY; Reuters This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What to know about COVID-19 in 2025: Variants, vaccines, cases
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Urgent warning over new Covid-19 variant that 'experts fear is more infectious' with case numbers growing in Britain
An urgent warning has been issued over a new Covid-19 variant that experts suggest could be more infectious than previous strains, with case numbers on the rise in Britain. The NB.1.8.1 variant has been found in 22 countries, including the UK, since it emerged in January, with cases recorded in Wales over the last few months, Wales Online reports. It has also been tracked in popular British tourist hotspots, including Thailand, the Maldives and Egypt, with soaring cases also seen in Ireland, the US, Australia and parts of Europe. Indeed, a whopping 257,280 Covid-19 cases have been recorded in Thailand this year, including 52 deaths, prompting an official warning from health authorities about the new variant. And some experts 'fear the strain is more infectious' than its predecessors, leading to rapidly rising numbers. Subhash Verma, professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, told CBS News: 'Data indicates that NB.1.8.1 does not lead to more severe illness compared to previous variants, although it appears to have a growth advantage, suggesting it may spread more easily. 'In other words, it is more transmissible.' The World Health Organisation (WHO) claimed that, using the evidence available, NB.1.8.1's threat to the public health was 'low at the global level'. The body added: 'Currently approved Covid-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective to this variant against symptomatic and severe disease.' But it still issued an official warning about the strain, part of the Omicron variant, branding it a 'variant under monitoring' thanks to key mutatations and its global spread. It said: 'Despite a concurrent increase in cases and hospitalisations in some countries where NB.1.8.1 is widespread, current data do not indicate that this variant leads to more severe illness than other variants in circulation.' There are not currently any travel restrictions associated with the variant and the WHO does not recommend any such measures. Of the 22 countries where it had been recorded by late April, the variant constitutes around 10.7 per cent of all submitted strains, flying up from just 2.5 per cent four weeks before. The WHO particularly emphasised its prevalence in Europe, the Western Pacific region - which includes Asia and Australia - and North and South America. Professor Laura Herrero of Griffith University, Australia explained that the strain had become the dominant variant in China and Hong Kong by the end of April. She said: 'Common symptoms [of NB.1.8.1] include sore throat, fatigue, fever, mild cough, muscle aches and nasal congestion. 'Gastrointestinal symptoms may also occur in some cases. '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.' As always, NHS guidance says that if you are experiencing Covid symptoms, you can protect yourself and others by staying at home and avoiding contact with other people for five days after a positive test, and three days if you or you child are under 18.
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Urgent holiday warning over new Covid variant that's ‘more infectious' as cases surge in popular hotspots
HEALTH authorities in popular holiday hotspots have issued warnings over a new Covid variant that's feared to be more infectious. Travellers were urged to don masks and wash their hands as the new variant drives up cases. 1 Travellers have been urged to mask as a new Covid variant spreads Credit: Getty The strain - called NB.1.8.1 - has been spotted in spots popular for British travellers, such as Egypt, the Maldives and Thailand. It's also seen a rapid rise in Ireland in recent weeks and has been found in the US, Australia and the UK. Health authorities in Thailand issued a warning about the variant, after recording Covid 257,280 cases and 52 deaths. The country's capital Bangkok is seeing the worst of the outbreak, as well as the Chonburi Province. Deputy government spokesperson Anukool Pruksanusak said international travel and the oncoming rainy season, could accelerate the outbreaks and the Ministry of Public Health will monitor the situation closely. He urged people to "limit activities that increase the risk of infection, wash their hands regularly, wear masks in crowded places, get booster vaccinations when due, and seek medical attention promptly if experiencing symptoms". It comes after the World Health Organisation (WHO) issued a warning over NB.1.8.1, designating it as a "variant under monitoring" due to its global spread and key mutations. 'Despite a concurrent increase in cases and hospitalisations in some countries where NB.1.8.1 is widespread, current data do not indicate that this variant leads to more severe illness than other variants in circulation,' the WHO said. But while it may not be particularly severe, may infect people more easily than previous variants, with some evidence suggesting that the variant binds more tightly to human cells. "Data indicates that NB.1.8.1 does not lead to more severe illness compared to previous variants, although it appears to have a growth advantage, suggesting it may spread more easily," Subhash Verma, a professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, told CBS News last week. "In other words, it is more transmissible."
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
A new COVID variant is hitting China. Here's what Henderson residents need to know
A new COVID-19 variant sweeping through China has yet to make a sizable footprint in the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says. In January, a new COVID-19 variant known as NB.1.8.1 was first detected in China. On May 23, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified NB.1.8.1 as a variant that public health officials "may require prioritized attention and monitoring." As of Tuesday, May 27, less than 20 cases of NB.1.8.1 had been reported in the U.S., a CDC spokesperson told USA TODAY. This figure is too low to be added to the CDC's COVID Data Tracker dashboard, the spokesperson added, though they did not clarify what the threshold for adding new variants to the dashboard is. Here's what to know about the COVID-19 NB.1.8.1 variant. COVID-19 vaccination: RFK Jr. ditches COVID vaccine recommendation for children, pregnant women NB.1.8.1 is one of the latest variants of COVID-19, a "slightly upgraded version" of the LP.8.1 variant that is prominent right now, said Subhash Verma, microbiology and immunology professor at the University of Nevada, Reno. For comparison, LP.8.1 made up 70% of reported COVID-19 cases in the U.S. between April 26 and May 10, as reported by the CDC. Verma said NB.1.8.1 may be able to be transferred more easily than LP.8.1. Additionally, he said that NB.1.8.1 is able to evade antibodies created by vaccines or past infections more easily than LP.8.1. "NB.1.8.1 is likely to spread more rapidly and evade our immune defenses more easily than LP.8.1, which is why this variant requires careful monitoring," Verma said. The CDC has not outlined symptoms that are specific to the NB.1.8.1. variant. Verma said that NB.1.8.1 symptoms appear similar to those of earlier COVID-19 variants. The CDC outlines the following as common COVID-19 symptoms: Fever or chills Cough Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Sore throat Congestion or a runny nose New loss of taste or smell Fatigue Muscle or body aches Headache Nausea or vomiting The CDC advises seeking medical care if you experience any of the following symptoms: Trouble breathing Persistent pain or pressure in the chest New confusion Inability to wake or stay awake Depending on skin tone, lips, nail beds and skin may appear pale, gray or blue Less than 20 NB.1.81. cases had been reported in the U.S., as of May 27, a CDC spokesperson told USA TODAY. According to the World Health Organization, as of May 18, 518 cases of NB.1.8.1 had been submitted to the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID) from 22 countries. The World Health Organization states that currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective against the NB.1.8.1 variant. The CDC advises that everyone over the age of six months get the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine, specifically the 2024-2025 Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine. People who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine, are age 65 and older, are immunocompromised, live at a long-term care facility, are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant, and/or want to avoid getting long COVID, should get the vaccine, especially. Updated and annual COVID-19 vaccines are actually not "booster shots." Boosters are additional doses of the same vaccine that are needed to maintain immunity, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Updated vaccines protect against new variants of a virus, like NB.1.8.1. Increasing Community Access to Testing, Treatment and Response (ICATT), a federal program, continues to provide free COVID-19 testing to individuals without health insurance. According to the CDC, as of May 27, more than 19,000 locations across the country offer free testing. To find a location near you that offers free testing, visit Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NB.1.8.1: What to know about the new COVID variant
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
What To Know About the New NB.1.8.1 Covid Variant
It's more contagious, flying under the radar, and already in the U.S. — meet NB.1.8.1, the latest Covid variant. It hasn't sparked major outbreaks yet, but experts warn this strain is quietly spreading and may be more transmissible than earlier versions. Scientists and health officials are closely monitoring the evolution of NB.1.8.1 to compare its characteristics with those of earlier strains, including whether it causes more severe illness and how well current vaccines will protect against it. Early surges in places like China, along with detections in several U.S. states, suggest the variant is slowly gaining ground. Wondering what this means for you? From symptoms to prevention, here's a look at everything you need to know to stay safe as the virus continues to evolve. NB.1.8.1, a spinoff of the Omicron strain, was first identified in January 2025 and has been steadily spreading since. It evolved from XDV.1.5.1 and is now on the World Health Organization's radar as a 'variant under monitoring' due to its growing global presence. The earliest surge tied to NB.1.8.1 was reported in China, but it didn't take long to spread. By late March and early April, U.S. health officials detected it in travelers arriving at California, Washington, Virginia, and New York airports. Additional cases have since been reported in other states, signaling a broader reach. The good news? Numbers remain low. As of now, NB.1.8.1 accounts for fewer than 20 reported cases nationwide, according to USA Today. While the CDC hasn't outlined specific symptoms in the NB.1.8.1. variant, experts agree that they mirror those of earlier Covid-19 variants. This includes: Fever or chills Cough Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Sore throat Congestion or a runny nose New loss of taste or smell Fatigue Muscle or body aches Headache Nausea or vomiting Health officials in Hong Kong say NB.1.8.1 doesn't appear to cause more severe illness than previous strains. What sets it apart, though, is how quickly it spreads. The variant's tighter binding to human cells is what makes it more transmissible, according to microbiology professor Subhash Verma, Ph.D., from the University of Nevada, Reno, who spoke with CBS. Another factor driving the surge in places like China could be the timing. Case numbers often rise during the summer months — and this year appears to be no different. The World Health Organization says the current Covid vaccines should still protect against the NB.1.8.1 variant. But there's a catch: Getting boosters might become more difficult. The Trump administration plans to limit booster shots mainly to older adults and those with certain health conditions. And Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. just announced that the CDC will no longer recommend routine Covid shots for healthy kids and pregnant women, even though pregnancy remains a high-risk factor for severe complications. Alongside vaccination, practicing good hygiene, such as thorough handwashing and covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing, remains crucial. And if you're going to be out in public, it might be worth dusting off that pack of N95 masks you thought you'd never need again. Staying informed and taking simple precautions can go a long way in keeping you and those around you safe. The post What To Know About the New NB.1.8.1 Covid Variant appeared first on Katie Couric Media.
