Latest news with #XEC
Wales Online
04-06-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Cases of infectious new Covid strain found in UK, with latest symptoms
Cases of infectious new Covid strain found in UK, with latest symptoms The subvariant has already been flagged by the World Health Organisation as a concern after outbreaks People wearing masks to stop the spread of Covid A new subvariant of Covid, which is said to be highly infectious, has been detected in the UK for the first time. The World Health Organisation previously issued a warning about NB.1.8.1, which has rapidly risen to become responsible for more than 10 per cent of global cases of Covid. It has been found in countries including Egypt, Thailand, the Maldives - and now the UK, with cases now confirmed in Northern Ireland and Wales. Thailand's Government has urged people to wear masks, get vaccinated and wash hands to stop the spread of the virus. The descendant of Omicron was first found globally in January this year and has now spread top the USA, Australia, China and Hong Kong. In China it is already the most dominant strain. The Noirthern Ireland Public Health Agency says at least seven people have been diagnosed with the NB.1.8.1 strain of coronavirus. The Independent says there have also been cases in Wales. The World Health Organisation has designated the NB.1.8.1 as a 'variant under monitoring'. 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." Article continues below 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'. 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." The new strain is being found in large numbers in the Eastern Mediterranean. 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. Article continues below "Based on the current risk assessment of this event, WHO advises against imposing travel or trade restrictions."
Straits Times
04-06-2025
- General
- Straits Times
Covid-19 cases surge in Thailand, over 28,000 new cases in two days
Covid-19 cases surge in Thailand, over 28,000 new cases in two days BANGKOK - Thailand's Department of Disease Control (DDC) on June 3 reported the Covid-19 situation for week 23 of 2025 via the digital disease surveillance (DDS) system. The latest data, as at June 2, showed 10,192 new cases. Previously, on June 1, there were 18,102 new cases, bringing the total new cases in the past two days to 28,294. Of the new cases, 9,304 were outpatients, and 888 were severe cases requiring hospitalisation. Additionally, one death was reported. As at May 27, the cumulative total of Covid-19 cases for 2025 stands at 323,301, with 69 deaths in total this year. Dr Taweesin Visanuyothin, director-general of the department of medical services, stated that the increasing number of cases is likely due to the early arrival of the rainy season and the opening of schools. He noted that this period also coincides with a rise in influenza cases, which have similar symptoms to Covid-19. In 2025, the reported 69 deaths were primarily among the '608 group', which includes elderly individuals and those with underlying conditions, particularly in large cities and tourist destinations like Bangkok (22 deaths), Chonburi (8 deaths), Chanthaburi (7 deaths), and Chiang Mai (3 deaths). The mortality rate remains low, at 0.106 per 100,000 people, suggesting that the disease is not becoming more severe. 'Non-high-risk individuals who get infected usually experience mild symptoms and can recover on their own or with over-the-counter treatments such as fever reducers, cough medicine, and decongestants. However, for high-risk groups such as the elderly or children under one year old, we urge immediate hospital visits,' said Dr Taweesin. Dr Suthat Chottanapund, deputy director-general of the DDC, explained that the increase in cases aligns with seasonal patterns. As schools reopen and the rainy season sets in, cases of upper respiratory infections tend to rise, particularly among students, where close contact can easily spread the virus. The DDC continues to emphasise personal preventive measures, such as social distancing, hand washing, and avoiding crowded places. While the mortality rate remains low, elderly groups are still a primary concern. An additional recommendation is to get the seasonal flu vaccine to prevent co-infection. 'Currently, the Covid-19 variant circulating in Thailand is XEC, which is more contagious but causes mild symptoms, similar to the flu. This is reflected in the low hospitalization rate, with many patients recovering on their own without medication. There is no need to suspend classes or work due to infection,' said Dr Suthat. Dr Sakan Bunnag, deputy director-general of the department of medical services, stated that distinguishing between mild symptoms of flu, common colds, and Covid-19 can be difficult. However, the initial care approach for all three is similar. For cases with mild symptoms and non-high-risk individuals, treatment is the same as for a regular cold, using symptomatic medications without the need for antiviral drugs. Those who should seek medical attention include patients whose symptoms worsen, such as those with a fever over 38.5 deg C, shortness of breath, fatigue, or blood oxygen levels below 95 per cent, he said. High-risk groups include elderly individuals, people with chronic illnesses, children under a year old, and pregnant women. Since Covid-19 is no longer considered a severe communicable disease, doctors will assess whether hospitalisation is necessary or whether medication should be prescribed. For patients with severe symptoms or those in high-risk groups, the main treatments are Remdesivir and Paxlovid. According to inquiries from various hospitals, these medications are still available directly from pharmaceutical companies and are not in short supply. Additionally, the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation is producing Molnupiravir for use in patients with moderate symptoms and no lung involvement, ensuring there will be no shortage of medications. 'There is no recommendation to stop working or self-quarantine when you are sick. Sick leave should be determined at the doctor's discretion, as with any other contagious disease. 'However, it is essential to wear a mask at all times, especially during the first five days of illness. Frequent hand washing and avoiding large group gatherings, such as meetings or shared meals, is important. If possible, continue wearing a mask for an additional three to five days. 'For schools, if multiple students are sick, those students should stay home, but there is no need to close classrooms or schools, as school-age children are generally not in the high-risk category for severe symptoms,' said Dr Sakan. THE NATION THAILAND/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
The Star
04-06-2025
- General
- The Star
Covid-19 cases surge in Thailand, over 28,000 new cases in two days
BANGKOK: As of May 27, 2025, the cumulative total of Covid-19 cases in Thailand for 2025 stands at 323,301, with 69 deaths in total this year. The Department of Disease Control (DDC) on Tuesday (June 3) reported the Covid-19 situation for week 23 of 2025 via the Digital Disease Surveillance (DDS) system. The latest data, as of June 2, 2025, showed 10,192 new cases. Previously, on June 1, 2025, there were 18,102 new cases, bringing the total new cases in the past two days (June 1-2) to 28,294. Of the new cases, 9,304 were outpatients, and 888 were severe cases requiring hospitalization. Additionally, one death was reported. As of May 27, 2025, the cumulative total of Covid-19 cases for 2025 stands at 323,301, with 69 deaths in total this year. Dr Taweesin Visanuyothin, Director-General of the Department of Medical Services, stated that the increasing number of cases is likely due to the early arrival of the rainy season and the opening of schools. He noted that this period also coincides with a rise in influenza cases, which have similar symptoms to Covid-19. In 2025, the reported 69 deaths were primarily among the '608 group', which includes elderly individuals and those with underlying conditions, particularly in large cities and tourist destinations like Bangkok (22 deaths), Chonburi (eight deaths), Chanthaburi (seven deaths), and Chiang Mai (three deaths). The mortality rate remains low, at 0.106 per 100,000 people, suggesting that the disease is not becoming more severe. 'Non-high-risk individuals who get infected usually experience mild symptoms and can recover on their own or with over-the-counter treatments such as fever reducers, cough medicine, and decongestants. However, for high-risk groups such as the elderly or children under one year old, we urge immediate hospital visits,' said Taweesin. Dr Suthat Chottanapund, Deputy Director-General of the DDC, explained that the increase in cases aligns with seasonal patterns. As schools reopen and the rainy season sets in, cases of upper respiratory infections tend to rise, particularly among students, where close contact can easily spread the virus. The DDC continues to emphasise personal preventive measures, such as social distancing, hand washing, and avoiding crowded places. While the mortality rate remains low, elderly groups are still a primary concern. An additional recommendation is to get the seasonal flu vaccine to prevent co-infection. 'Currently, the Covid-19 variant circulating in Thailand is XEC, which is more contagious but causes mild symptoms, similar to the flu. This is reflected in the low hospitalisation rate, with many patients recovering on their own without medication. There is no need to suspend classes or work due to infection,' said Suthat. Dr Sakan Bunnag, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Medical Services, stated that distinguishing between mild symptoms of flu, common colds, and Covid-19 can be difficult. However, the initial care approach for all three is similar. For cases with mild symptoms and non-high-risk individuals, treatment is the same as for a regular cold, using symptomatic medications without the need for antiviral drugs. Those who should seek medical attention include patients whose symptoms worsen, such as those with a fever over 38.5°C, shortness of breath, fatigue, or blood oxygen levels below 95%, he said. High-risk groups include elderly individuals, people with chronic illnesses, children under one year old, and pregnant women. Since Covid-19 is no longer considered a severe communicable disease, doctors will assess whether hospitalisation is necessary or whether medication should be prescribed. For patients with severe symptoms or those in high-risk groups, the main treatments are Remdesivir and Paxlovid. According to inquiries from various hospitals, these medications are still available directly from pharmaceutical companies and are not in short supply. Additionally, the Government Pharmaceutical Organization is producing Molnupiravir for use in patients with moderate symptoms and no lung involvement, ensuring there will be no shortage of medications. "There is no recommendation to stop working or self-quarantine when you are sick. Sick leave should be determined at the doctor's discretion, as with any other contagious disease. "However, it is essential to wear a mask at all times, especially during the first five days of illness. Frequent hand washing and avoiding large group gatherings, such as meetings or shared meals, is important. If possible, continue wearing a mask for an additional three to five days. "For schools, if multiple students are sick, those students should stay home, but there is no need to close classrooms or schools, as school-age children are generally not in the high-risk category for severe symptoms," said Sakan. - The Nation/ANN
Daily Record
04-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
New list of Covid symptoms for NB.1.8.1 strain as it spreads in UK
The World Health Organization has designated the NB.1.8.1 strain of Covid a "variant under monitoring" due to its rapid rise Epidemiologists are on high alert after a new Covid strain has emerged in the UK, with "multiple mutations" and new symptoms that Brits should be aware of. The NB. 1.8.1 variant of Covid, now under World Health Organisation's (WHO) surveillance as a "variant under monitoring", is causing alarm due to its rapid spread and fears that it could evade immunity from previous infections or vaccination. Seven cases of the variant have been confirmed in Northern Ireland, while globally the new strain has become four times more prevalent among sequenced Covid infections. While some symptoms mirror those of earlier strains, health professionals have identified novel indicators such as heartburn. They've also noted gastrointestinal issues like abdominal pain and bloating. NB. 1.8.1 has become the predominant strain in regions like Hong Kong and China and has cropped up in Australia, the US, and holiday hotspots including Egypt, Thailand, and the Maldives, reports the Mirror. A full list of symptoms: a high temperature or shivering (chills) – a high temperature means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature) a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste shortness of breath feeling tired or exhausted an aching body a headache a sore throat a blocked or runny nose loss of appetite diarrhoea feeling sick or being sick WHO data reveals a concerning leap in the strain's prevalence, from 2.5 per cent to 10.7 per cent of global sequences within a month, sparking heightened global vigilance. A WHO representative 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." From February onwards, the circulation of XEC started to drop, while LP. 8.1 saw an increase and became the most detected variant by mid-March. However, since mid-April, LP. 8.1 has seen a slight decline as NB.1.8.1 is being detected more often. Experts say that NB.1.8.1 contains 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.
Daily Mirror
03-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Symptoms in full of the new strain of Covid already detected in the UK
Doctors are closely monitoring the NB.1.8.1 strain of Covid, which has been discovered in the UK and can cause heartburn, diarrhea, nausea and other unpleasant symptoms Doctors are carefully monitoring a new strain of the virus which causes Covid - and have put together a comprehensive list of symptoms. There is concern for the NB.1.8.1 strain of Covid, officially designated a "variant under monitoring" by the World Health Organisation (WHO) due to its rapid rise. Seven people in Northern Ireland have been diagnosed with the strain, which has the potential to evade immunity from previous infections or vaccines. Some symptoms are the same as ones associated with previous strains, however medics have confirmed new signs - like heartburn - have been noted too. Gastrointestinal symptoms can include abdominal pain and bloating, doctors added. NB.1.8.1 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. The full list of symptoms are; a high temperature or shivering (chills) – a high temperature means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature) a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste shortness of breath feeling tired or exhausted an aching body a headache a sore throat a blocked or runny nose loss of appetite diarrhoea feeling sick or being sick READ MORE: Holidaymakers told to wear masks and get jabs as cases of 'new Covid' soar 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 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."
