A new Covid-19 variant called NB.1.8.1 is quickly spreading across the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this variant now accounts for about 37% of all Covid cases in the country, nearly matching the current leading variant, LP.8.1, which causes 38% of cases.
First detected in the U.S. earlier this year, NB.1.8.1 has been growing fast and could cause a rise in Covid cases this summer.
The World Health Organization (WHO) noted this variant as one to watch in May, and it already makes up about a quarter of global cases. It has been linked to recent increases in infections and hospitalizations in parts of Asia, including China.
Despite the rise in cases, the overall Covid situation in the U.S. remains stable. Test positivity rates are low, and hospitalizations and deaths have stayed steady. Experts say NB.1.8.1 does not cause more severe illness than other Omicron variants, and current vaccine boosters should still protect well against it.
However, NB.1.8.1 may spread more easily due to certain mutations, which could help it become the dominant variant soon. After a quiet winter with fewer infections, some experts warn that immunity in the population, especially among older adults, may have weakened, making people more vulnerable to infection.
Edoardo Colzani from the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control said the variant is not expected to cause more severe disease or reduce vaccine protection significantly. Still, rising virus activity means people should stay cautious.
Thanks to vaccines and immunity, Covid-19 is less dangerous than before, but this summer could remind us that the virus is still a threat. Staying informed and vaccinated remains important to protect health.
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