SEATTLE — The Washington Department of Health (DOH) has reported the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant, named NB.1.8.1, which has been detected in the state. According to the DOH, there have been 14 sequenced detections of this variant, with the earliest case identified on April 7 and the most recent on May 20. Most of these detections (13) were identified through the CDC’s Traveler Genomics Program, which tests samples collected from travelers at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The remaining detection was submitted by the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine.
While the variant has been confirmed in Washington, health officials noted they are unable to ascertain whether the individuals tested are residents of the state or had simply traveled there after providing their samples.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified NB.1.8.1 as a variant due to its increasing prevalence in regions where it has been identified. However, the WHO has assessed the public health risk associated with this variant as low. It also noted that current data does not suggest that NB.1.8.1 leads to more severe illness than previous strains. Health officials remain optimistic that existing vaccines will continue to provide protection against symptomatic and severe disease stemming from this variant.
This latest development emphasizes the ongoing evolution of the virus, but it also highlights the resilience of current public health measures and vaccines in managing new variants.