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Nimbus Variant Becomes Second-Most Common COVID-19 Strain in the US
UNITED STATES, JUN 12 – The NB.1.8.1 variant, accounting for over 10% of global COVID-19 cases, spreads rapidly with mostly mild symptoms and some unique gastrointestinal effects, WHO says.
- The WHO designated the Covid variant NB.1.8.1 as a Variant Under Monitoring on May 23, 2025, with detections in at least 22 countries including the UK.
- NB.1.8.1 emerged in January 2025 as an offspring of the Omicron variant and has spread rapidly, increasing from 3.7% to 33.3% in sequencing samples within five weeks.
- Health authorities note NB.1.8.1 shows no evidence of causing more severe disease and report its symptoms align with previous Omicron strains including sore throat and fatigue.
- The WHO states that current Covid vaccines remain effective against NB.1.8.1 and advises countries to remain vigilant without imposing travel restrictions.
- The UK spring 2025 booster programme continues until June 17, with public guidance to limit contact if symptomatic, reflecting efforts to mitigate spread amid rising cases including NB.1.8.1.
146 Articles
146 Articles
CDC: New COVID Variant Estimated to Be No. 1 Strain in US
A new estimate from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that a COVID-19 variant that has been driving cases in China earlier this year is now the No. 1 strain in the United States. A CDC estimate, updated on June 26, shows that between June 8 and June 21, the NB.1.8.1 variant now makes up 43 percent of COVID-19 cases in the United States and is ahead of the LP.8.1 variant. Earlier this month, CDC data showed that NB.1.8.1 h…
The latest on the new COVID-19 variant and the the measles outbreak
The new COVID-19 variant, called Nimbus, has similar symptoms and recovery to the Omicron strain.Epidemiology Division Manager, Lindsay Kohler, works with the Pima County Health Department.Its very similar to what weve been seeing," she says. "We dont have any reason to think that its more severe than previous variants. So the course of healing would be similar to what weve seen in the past, maybe up to a week or so of not feeling great, so if y…
Latest COVID variant 'Nimbus' could bring summer surge to Hampton Roads
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) – COVID-19’s latest variant, NB.1.8.1, or Nimbus, is spreading at a rapid rate across the U.S. and could impact people in Hampton Roads this summer. This month, the World Health Organization said the strain has been detected in 14 states, including Virginia, and now accounts for a third of the COVID cases reported nationwide. But to what extent will Nimbus impact Hampton Roads? Tracey Odachowski, Sentara director of infect…
'Razor Blade Throat' COVID Variant Spreads to 14 States—What You Need to Know
Another summer, another COVID warning. Health officials and The World Health Organization (WHO) are reporting that the new Omicron subvariant of COVID‑19, known as NB.1.8.1 or "Nimbus," is spreading rapidly across the U.S. The strain now accounts for roughly 37% of all reported COVID-19 diagnoses reported nationwide between May 25 and June 7, according to the CDC, making it the second most common strain in the U.S. this summer. So far, fourteen …
Christian Lehmann is a doctor and writer. For “Libération”, he chronicles a society affected by health and public service crises.
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