- A new Covid-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, is spreading globally, accounting for over 10 per cent of infections and has been confirmed in the UK.
- The WHO has designated NB.1.8.1 as a “variant under monitoring,” noting it may spread more easily but doesn't appear to cause more severe illness than previous variants.
- First recognised in January 2025, NB.1.8.1 has spread to the US, Australia, Thailand, China, and Hong Kong, with initial cases registered in late April, according to GISAID data.
- Experts suggest NB.1.8.1 can infect cells more efficiently and may trigger gastrointestinal symptoms, while common symptoms align with typical Omicron subvariants like fatigue, fever, and sore throat.
- Current Covid jabs are expected to remain effective against the NB.1.8.1 variant, protecting against severe illness, though the true number of infections is difficult to ascertain due to decreased testing.
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What is new Covid variant NB.1.8.1? Symptoms as cases confirmed in UK
