Latest news with #GISAID
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Dangerous new Nimbus Covid virus strain now detected in 13 states as doctors warn of unique symptom
Experts are warning of a dangerous new Covid variant spreading in over a dozen states. NB.1.8.1, nicknamed 'Nimbus,' first originated from China, where it has been linked to a rise in cases and ER visits. It was first detected in the US in late March and data suggests it now makes up over one in three Covid cases in the US, making it the second-most common variant. Early studies indicate it can attach to human cells more efficiently than its predecessors, making it the most infectious strain yet. Recently, many people infected with Covid have been reporting a symptom dubbed 'razor blade throat' — sharp pain that feels more severe than with previous strains. The CDC has not yet published official tracking data on the new variant. However, officials at the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID) reported as of June 11, Nimbus has been found in 13 states, including California, New York, New Jersey, and Hawaii. The Covid-19 virus mutates constantly, and lab tests have shown new changes to the 'Nimbus' strain's spike protein, which may make it more infectious than currently circulating strains and potentially cause more severe illness. World Health Organization data also suggests it makes up more than half the variants currently circulating worldwide. The name 'Nimbus' was coined by Canadian evolutionary biologist T Ryan Gregory, the mind behind many popular variant names. Researchers have found that the latest Omicron offshoot strain showed the strongest ability to attach to the receptor that acts as a doorway for the virus to enter human cells in lab tests, 'suggesting it may infect cells more efficiently than earlier strains,' according to Dr Lara Herrero, a virologist at Griffith University in Australia. A preprint study on the strain also showed that antibodies from vaccines and past infection were about half as effective at blocking it as the LP.8.1.1 strain which is currently dominant in the US. Covid patients have shared online that the severe sore throat has kept them from sleeping for several consecutive nights, had them 'whimpering' and 'clawing' at their throats, left them unable to swallow without excruciating pain, and unable to speak for about a week. Nimbus has been significant in parts of Asia for weeks, causing over 1,000 infections in India and about 14,000 in Hong Kong and Singapore. It has since been labeled as a 'variant under monitoring' by the World Health Organization. Despite its spread across 22 countries so far, the WHO maintains it poses a relatively global public health threat thanks to wide vaccine coverage and population immunity. The global agency said: 'Currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective to this variant against symptomatic and severe disease. 'Despite a concurrent increase in cases and hospitalizations 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.' Experts expect an uptick in cases this summer, noting there has been one every summer since 2020. By mid- to late-summer, immunity has waned from the previous fall's booster or from a previous infection. People also spend more time in indoor air-conditioned spaces, where most viral transmission occurs. And the summer months have typically always seen a rise in more transmissible variants. Dr Albert Ko, an epidemiologist at Yale School of Public Health, told Today: 'We may see an upswing (this) summer as in previous years, and this is expected to be smaller compared to what we experience in the winter.' Vaccine companies are in the midst of updating their shots to fit the 'Nimbus' strain. Moderna said late last month that its updated mNEXSPIKE shot will be available by the fall. A lower dose than the typical Covid vaccines is specially formulated for adults 65 and older, as well as people 12 to 64 with at least one or more underlying risk factor for severe Covid, such as cancer, diabetes, HIV, being overweight, or pregnant.
India Today
6 days ago
- Health
- India Today
Global Virus Network issues guidance on new Covid-19 variant, vaccine protection
The newly identified Covid-19 variant, named NB.1.8.1, is spreading rapidly across parts of Asia including India and other regions such as the United the variant has sparked concern due to its rising numbers, global health experts are urging caution, not Global Virus Network (GVN) - an international coalition of top virologists and research centres - which is closely tracking the situation, says there is no current evidence that NB.1.8.1 causes more severe illness than earlier However, its growing presence has led the World Health Organisation (WHO) to list it as a 'Variant Under Monitoring.'The variant, a sub-lineage of the Omicron family, was first detected in January 2025 and has now been found in 22 of May 18, 2025, NB.1.8.1 accounted for 10.7% of global Covid-19 virus samples submitted to the international database GISAID, global science initiative and primary source for freely sharing genomic data of viruses, especially influenza viruses. There is no current evidence that NB.1.8.1 causes more severe illness than earlier variants. () This is a sharp rise from just 2.5% four weeks earlier. In India, active Covid-19 cases have climbed to 6,491 (as of June 9), with more than 500 new infections reported in the past 24 such as Delhi, Kerala, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal are reporting steady increases in countries are also seeing a rise. In Taiwan, hospital visits due to Covid-19 symptoms rose by 78% in one week, with nearly 6,000 people seeking care between April 27 and May the United States, more than a dozen cases of NB.1.8.1 have been reported, initially detected through airport screenings in California, Washington, Virginia, and New York. The variant has since been found in Ohio, Rhode Island, and the rise in infections, experts say the pattern remains consistent with seasonal surges, and vaccines continue to provide strong protection against serious WE KNOW ABOUT NB.1.8.1NB.1.8.1 shares many characteristics with previous Omicron variants, including mutations in the spike protein that help the virus spread more easily. NB.1.8.1 shares many characteristics with previous Omicron variants, including mutations in the spike protein that help the virus spread more easily. () But early studies show it does not lead to more severe disease or significantly escape the protection offered by vaccines or past infections may happen, especially in people with waning immunity or those who are unvaccinated. But vaccines remain highly effective in preventing hospitalisation and death," the GVN treatments like Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir) and remdesivir also continue to work well against this and other Omicron REMAINS KEYIn its latest guidelines, the coalition emphasised the importance of staying up to date with Covid-19 vaccinations, especially as the virus are the GVN's updated vaccine recommendations:Adults over 65 and those with underlying health issues should get an updated booster tailored to current aged 6 months and older is encouraged to remain current with vaccinations, particularly before the respiratory illness seasons in autumn and and teenagers should receive age-appropriate vaccine doses if they haven't been vaccinated in the past year. This helps prevent complications like hospitalisation or MIS-C (a serious inflammatory condition in children).Pregnant individuals are strongly advised to get vaccinated. According to GVN, studies show that Covid-19 vaccination during pregnancy reduces hospitalisation risk in infants by 61% and helps protect the newborn for up to six months. It also lowers the risks of preterm birth and other who haven't received a Covid-19 booster in the past year should speak with their doctor about timing and eligibility. Co-administering Covid-19 and flu vaccines is safe and recommended when needed. Side effects from both vaccines remain CAUSE FOR ALARMHealth authorities are clear: the emergence of new variants like NB.1.8.1 is expected and does not mean we are entering a new emergency.'This is not a reason to panic, but a moment to prepare,' the GVN said. The key lies in continued vigilance, accurate public information, and strong global and WHO are encouraging nations to maintain timely virus tracking and share data to support early detection and NB.1.8.1 is spreading, the tools we have, vaccines, treatments, and knowledge, are still YOU CAN DOFor the public, experts recommend continuing to follow good health practices:advertisementStay up to date with Covid-19 a mask in crowded indoor spaces if cases are rising in your good hand home if you feel sick and get tested if symptoms your doctor about booster shots or antiviral treatment if you are at higher Covid-19 continues to evolve, health agencies worldwide are shifting from emergency response to long-term management. That includes regular vaccination updates, like with influenza, and clear communication to avoid misinformation and panic."Scientific collaboration, accurate public communication, and continued investment in prevention tools will remain critical in navigating the evolving Covid-19 landscape," said InMust Watch
The Independent
06-06-2025
- Health
- The Independent
What you need to know about the new Covid strain NB.1.8.1 detected in the UK
A new Covid -19 variant, NB.1.8.1, is spreading globally, accounting for over 10 per cent of infections and has been confirmed in the UK. The WHO has designated NB.1.8.1 as a 'variant under monitoring,' noting it may spread more easily but doesn't appear to cause more severe illness than previous variants. First recognised in January 2025, NB.1.8.1 has spread to the US, Australia, Thailand, China, and Hong Kong, with initial cases registered in late April, according to GISAID data. Experts suggest NB.1.8.1 can infect cells more efficiently and may trigger gastrointestinal symptoms, while common symptoms align with typical Omicron subvariants like fatigue, fever, and sore throat. Current Covid jabs are expected to remain effective against the NB.1.8.1 variant, protecting against severe illness, though the true number of infections is difficult to ascertain due to decreased testing.
IOL News
03-06-2025
- Health
- IOL News
What you need to know about the NB. 1. 8. 1 COVID-19 variant
A new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, has become the dominant strain in China A new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, has become the dominant strain in China and is beginning to surface internationally, prompting public health experts and global agencies to issue fresh warnings and vaccine guidance. A variant on the rise The NB.1.8.1 is a descendant of the Omicron lineage and was first identified in April 2025 in travellers from China and several other countries, including France, Japan, South Korea, and Thailand, according to data from GISAID. It is now fueling a surge in hospitalisations and emergency visits in China. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the variant was detected through random airport testing in travellers arriving in the United States since late March, with cases now reported in California, Hawaii, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, Virginia, and Washington. The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially designated NB.1.8.1 as a 'variant under monitoring.' What makes NB.1.8.1 different? Although symptoms like sore throat, fever, cough, and fatigue mirror previous variants, NB.1.8.1 carries genetic changes that allow it to infect cells more efficiently—potentially making it more transmissible. So far, it does not appear to cause more severe illness.
IOL News
03-06-2025
- Health
- IOL News
New COVID-19 Variant NB. 1. 8. 1: Should South Africans be concerned?
A new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, has become the dominant strain in China A new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, has become the dominant strain in China and is beginning to surface internationally, prompting public health experts and global agencies to issue fresh warnings and vaccine guidance. A variant on the rise The NB.1.8.1 is a descendant of the Omicron lineage and was first identified in April 2025 in travellers from China and several other countries, including France, Japan, South Korea, and Thailand, according to data from GISAID. It is now fueling a surge in hospitalisations and emergency visits in China. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the variant was detected through random airport testing in travellers arriving in the United States since late March, with cases now reported in California, Hawaii, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, Virginia, and Washington. The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially designated NB.1.8.1 as a 'variant under monitoring.' What makes NB.1.8.1 different? Although symptoms like sore throat, fever, cough, and fatigue mirror previous variants, NB.1.8.1 carries genetic changes that allow it to infect cells more efficiently—potentially making it more transmissible. So far, it does not appear to cause more severe illness.
