Health authorities have been reminding the public that COVID-19 is still present, and the SARS-CoV-2 virus has now evolved into a new variant called NB.1.8.1. This variant is driving an increase in infections in China, and a few cases have been detected in the U.S. through airport testing, according to the CDC. The WHO has classified it as a “variant under monitoring.”
Here’s what you should know about this new variant.
Where did NB.1.8.1 originate?
Data from a global database tracking viral genetic sequences indicates that the first known cases of NB.1.8.1 appeared in late April, identified in travelers arriving from China, France, Japan, the Netherlands, Spain, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand.
NB.1.8.1 is currently the dominant COVID-19 strain in China, contributing to a rise in emergency room visits and hospital admissions.
Where is the new COVID-19 variant located in the U.S.?
The new variant has been detected at several U.S. airports as part of a program where health officials conduct random tests on consenting travelers. This program identified the variant starting in late March. Cases have been reported in several states, including California, Hawaii, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, Virginia, and Washington. Currently, only a small number of cases have been found in the U.S., so it is not yet listed on the CDC’s variant tracking site.
Will the current COVID-19 vaccine offer protection?
NB.1.8.1 is still part of the Omicron family, suggesting that existing vaccines and immunity from recent infections should provide some protection against severe illness.
The variant is also being monitored by pharmaceutical companies. The FDA’s vaccine advisory committee met to discuss potentially updating the vaccine for the fall and winter respiratory season. They reviewed data from Pfizer and Moderna regarding experimental vaccines that target LP.8.1, which accounts for a small percentage of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. (LP.8.1 is related to both NB.1.8.1 and JN.1, the strain currently targeted by vaccines.) These experimental vaccines seem to offer slightly improved protection against both variants.
Ultimately, the committee recommended continuing with a JN.1 vaccine, but did not specify whether the updated shot should also target LP.8.1.
What are the symptoms of NB.1.8.1?
How can I protect myself against the new variant?
Vaccination can improve your chances of avoiding severe disease, as the current vaccine still offers protection against viruses related to NB.1.8.1. This is especially important for individuals at higher risk of severe illness, such as older adults and those with weakened immune systems.
However, vaccination may become more difficult for some groups. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently announced that the CDC will no longer recommend an annual shot for everyone. Furthermore, the FDA stated it will not recommend it for healthy adults until vaccine manufacturers provide additional evidence of its safety and efficacy in this demographic.
These changes could lead to insurers no longer covering the vaccine, potentially requiring individuals to pay for it themselves.
