The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially added a new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, to its “Variants Under Monitoring” list, as cases linked to it rapidly increase worldwide. First detected in January, NB.1.8.1 has now spread to 22 countries and accounts for over 10% of reported global cases, a significant jump from 2.5% just a month ago.
While the variant is circulating widely, the WHO emphasizes that it does not currently pose a major public health risk. There is no evidence suggesting NB.1.8.1 causes more severe illness, leads to increased hospitalizations, or is harder to treat. Current COVID-19 vaccines also appear effective against it.
However, the emergence of NB.1.8.1 comes amidst a concerning rise in COVID-19 related deaths in the UK, which have more than doubled in the past week. UK Government data shows 101 people died with COVID-19 on their death certificates in the week leading up to May 2, a 65% increase from the previous week. This marks the highest weekly COVID death toll in the UK since late January, when 111 deaths were recorded in a seven-day period. While still below the November peak of 273 weekly deaths, the surge fuels fears of a new wave of the virus.
The global landscape has also seen a rise in infections, largely attributed to the Omicron subvariant JN.1, which has become the dominant global strain. Countries in Asia, including India, Singapore, Thailand, and Hong Kong, have reported notable increases in cases.
In India, active cases have reached their highest in a year, though officials note most infections are mild. Mumbai hospitals have set aside dedicated beds for COVID-19 patients and increased surveillance. Similarly, Singapore experienced a sharp surge in weekly infections, rising from 11,100 to 14,200 in early May, with daily hospitalizations also increasing.
Thai authorities have urged citizens to get booster vaccinations after cases doubled from 16,000 to over 33,000 in the week ending May 17. Hong Kong also reported an increase in cases, with 1,042 cases in the week ending May 10.
NB.1.8.1 is a descendant of the JN.1 variant and has shown increased transmissibility. Symptoms of NB.1.8.1 are largely consistent with previous Omicron variants, including sore throat, fatigue, mild cough, fever, muscle aches, and congestion. Some individuals have also reported persistent low-grade hyperthermia, headaches, nausea, loss of appetite, and gastrointestinal issues.
Health authorities globally are continuing to monitor the situation closely, urging continued vigilance and adherence to public health measures.
