The COVID-19 landscape has shifted with the emergence of a new variant, NB.1.8.1, detected in international travelers in the US. While cases are limited in the country, its appearance coincides with a surge in infections in Asia, particularly in mainland China and Hong Kong, sparking concern over its potential increased transmissibility. This development underscores the importance of ongoing vigilance in tracking the virus’s evolution.
Origins of the Variant
According to the CDC, this subvariant has been found in fewer than 20 genomic samples in the US surveillance system, meaning it hasn’t yet appeared in the COVID Data Tracker. Its detection was made possible through a federal airport monitoring program in collaboration with Ginkgo Bioworks, a crucial effort in early identification of new viral threats.
Records of infected travelers between April 22 and May 12 suggest that this new strain was introduced from countries like Japan, Thailand, France, and South Korea. Although the number of detections is low, its emergence has triggered health alerts, highlighting global vulnerability to rapid spread of new viral variants and the need to strengthen border health controls.
Vaccine Updates Debated
During an FDA advisory committee meeting, there was discussion on the need to update vaccines for the upcoming fall and winter seasons due to the emergence of the NB.1.8.1 variant. Pfizer and Moderna presented data suggesting that a vaccine based on the LP.8.1 subvariant could also protect against this new strain, offering a potential solution for the next respiratory disease season.
Darin Edwards, Executive Director and leader of Moderna’s Covid-19 program, stated that studies show the LP.8.1 vaccine is most effective against the LP.8.1 variant, which dominates much of the US, and also neutralizes other strains, including the recent NB.1.8.1. Despite this, the committee was divided, with some supporting the current vaccines and others insisting on the need for updates.
Global Response
In Hong Kong, health authorities have noted an increase in hospitalizations and emergency visits, reaching the highest level in a year. This led to the renewed recommendation of mask use in enclosed spaces and public transport, aiming to contain spread and protect public health. This highlights the virus’s persistence and the need for continued preventive measures against outbreaks.
Symptoms and Concerns
Symptoms of the NB.1.8.1 variant are similar to those of recent virus versions, including joint pain, headache, throat pain, fever, fatigue, cough, and nasal congestion. A distinctive feature of this variant is that it does not cause loss of taste or smell, though its behavior could vary. Experts are concerned about its ability to adhere to human cells, suggesting higher contagion and spreading seven times faster than the flu. Countries like Taiwan have opted to enhance access to vaccines and antiviral treatments, hoping this coronavirus variant does not evade vaccine protection.
Current preliminary information suggests that the NB.1.8.1 variant does not evade the immune system more easily. However, its rapid spread could pose a risk, especially if precautions are not taken in time, although scientists note that symptoms of this variant are less severe and could still cause hospitalization or death in affected patients.