COVID-19 cases are on the rise once again as a new variant, named NB.1.8.1, begins to spread in various regions around the globe. The World Health Organization reported that this increase in cases is predominantly noted in the eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and western Pacific regions.
In the United States, airport screenings have identified the new variant among travelers arriving from these affected areas, specifically in states such as California, Washington, Virginia, and New York.
The emergence of the NB.1.8.1 variant coincides with a significant change in the U.S. government’s recommendations regarding COVID-19 vaccinations. On Tuesday, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that vaccinations are no longer advised for healthy children and pregnant women, a policy shift that has raised concerns among public health experts.
Despite the increasing prevalence of the new variant, which accounted for nearly 11% of sequenced samples reported by mid-May, the WHO has classified it as a “variant under monitoring.” The organization assesses the current public health risk at a global level to be low, indicating that existing vaccines are expected to remain effective against it.
In the western Pacific region, some countries have noted a rise in COVID-19 cases and related hospitalizations; however, there is currently no evidence suggesting that the severity associated with the NB.1.8.1 variant differs from that of previous variants. Meanwhile, the LP.8.1 variant is still the most prevalent variant in both the U.S. and worldwide.
As the global community continues to monitor this evolving situation, it is essential for individuals to remain informed and vigilant, prioritizing health and safety in light of ongoing changes in public health policy.