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The Independent
28-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
New Covid variant spreading from Asia now surges across US — what is it and where is it spreading
The new Covid variant is continuing to proliferate around the U.S. — although you might not know it by just checking federal variant-tracking dashboards. Known as NB.1.8.1, the omicron variant has been tracked in states across the country following a large surge in China. Although, right now, LP.8.1 — a descendent of JN.1 — is the nation's dominant strain. The Centers for Disease Control is in regular contact with international partners, and is aware of reported NB.1.8.1 cases in China, an agency spokesperson told The Independent. There have been too few U.S. sequences reported thus far for the variant to be included in its dashboard. But, in Asia, it's resulted in increased hospitalizations and emergency room visits. So, what should Americans know about NB.1.8.1, and how worrying is its spread? Here's what to know. What and where is NB.1.8.1? NB.1.8.1 has been designated a SARS-CoV-2 variant under monitoring, with increasing proportions globally, according to the World Health Organization. There are currently six tracked by the agency. It's spread throughout 22 countries. In the U.S., it has been traced to New York, California, Arizona, Ohio and Rhode Island, according to records from local health officials at the CDC's airport testing partner Ginkgo Bioworks. While still low in numbers, the WHO noted that there had been a significant rise in its prevalence from late March to April. What do we know about related infections? The public health risk posed by this variant is evaluated as low at the global level. 'Despite a concurrent increase in cases and hospitalizations in some countries where NB.1.8.1 is widespread, current data do not indicate that this variant leads to more severe illness than other variants in circulation,' the WHO said. But, while it may not be particularly severe, may infect people more easily than previous variants. There is some evidence that the variant binds more tightly to human cells. "Data indicates that NB.1.8.1 does not lead to more severe illness compared to previous variants, although it appears to have a growth advantage, suggesting it may spread more easily," Subhash Verma, a professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, told CBS News this week. "In other words, it is more transmissible." Do the Covid vaccines work against NB.1.8.1? Yes, our currently-approved Covid shots are expected to remain effective against this variant and protect against severe disease. However, access to the vaccines is being limited by the Trump administration. On Tuesday, health officials said the Covid vaccine for healthy children and pregnant women had been removed from the CDC's recommended immunization schedule. The Food and Drug Administration said last week that it will continue to approve updates for seniors and Americans with underlying medication conditions. However, it will require vaccine makers to conduct major new clinical trials before approving them for wider use. Although the number of Covid-related hospitalizations and deaths has fallen considerably since the pandemic's start, experts worry about what limiting access to vaccines could do. 'Is the pharmacist going to determine if you're in a high-risk group?' Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccine expert at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, told The Associated Press. 'The only thing that can come of this will make vaccines less insurable and less available.' For now, people can still get the shots.
The Independent
27-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
A new Covid variant surging in Asia is now spreading across the US. Here's where it is and what to know
The new Covid variant is continuing to proliferate around the U.S. — although you might not know it by just checking federal variant-tracking dashboards. Known as NB.1.8.1, the omicron variant has been tracked in states across the country following a large surge in China. Although, right now, LP.8.1 — a descendent of JN.1 — is the nation's dominant strain. "CDC is aware of reported cases of COVID-19 NB.1.8.1 in China and is in regular contact with international partners," a spokesperson for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told CBS News last week. They reportedly noted that too few U.S. sequences have been reported to be included in its dashboard. But, in Asia, it's resulted in increased hospitalizations and emergency room visits. So, what should Americans know about NB.1.8.1, and how worrying is its spread? Here's what to know. What and where is NB.1.8.1? NB.1.8.1 has been designated a SARS-CoV-2 variant under monitoring, with increasing proportions globally, according to the World Health Organization. There are currently six tracked by the agency. It's spread throughout 22 countries. In the U.S., it has been traced to New York, California, Arizona, Ohio and Rhode Island, according to records from local health officials at the CDC's airport testing partner Ginkgo Bioworks. While still low in numbers, the WHO noted that there had been a significant rise in its prevalence from late March to April. What do we know about related infections? The public health risk posed by this variant is evaluated as low at the global level. 'Despite a concurrent increase in cases and hospitalizations in some countries where NB.1.8.1 is widespread, current data do not indicate that this variant leads to more severe illness than other variants in circulation,' the WHO said. But, while it may not be particularly severe, may infect people more easily than previous variants. There is some evidence that the variant binds more tightly to human cells. "Data indicates that NB.1.8.1 does not lead to more severe illness compared to previous variants, although it appears to have a growth advantage, suggesting it may spread more easily," Subhash Verma, a professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, told CBS News this week. "In other words, it is more transmissible." Do the Covid vaccines work against NB.1.8.1? Yes, our currently-approved Covid shots are expected to remain effective against this variant and protect against severe disease. However, access to the vaccines is being limited by the Trump administration. The Food and Drug Administration said last week that it will continue to approve updates for seniors and Americans with underlying medication conditions. However, it will require vaccine makers to conduct major new clinical trials before approving them for wider use. Although the number of Covid-related hospitalizations and deaths has fallen considerably since the pandemic's start, experts worry about what limiting access to vaccines could do. 'Is the pharmacist going to determine if you're in a high-risk group?' Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccine expert at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, told The Associated Press. 'The only thing that can come of this will make vaccines less insurable and less available.' For now, people can still get the shots.
Economic Times
24-05-2025
- Health
- Economic Times
Is China suppressing the spread of COVID variant NB.1.8.1? Virus is spreading - here's what Americans should do
Is China downplaying its COVID surge? Live Events Will current vaccines protect against Covid variant NB.1.8.1? FAQs (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel A new COVID variant, NB.1.8.1, linked to a major surge in China, has been detected in the United States. The virus is believed to have arrived via international travelers, according to airport screenings and state are concerned, but the United States is currently experiencing low overall case numbers. It has been detected in several states, and while it is not yet widespread, it may become more say it's too early to panic, but they recommend taking precautions as new vaccines targeting related strains are being submitted by the CDC's airport testing partner Ginkgo Bioworks show that cases associated with the NB.1.8.1 variant have been reported in arriving international travellers at airports in California, Washington state, Virginia, and the New York City area, as quoted in a report by CBS regarding the sequencing results, which were made public on the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data, or GISAID, virus database in recent weeks, indicates that travelers from a variety of nations, including China, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, France, Thailand, the Netherlands, Spain, and Vietnam, are responsible for the variant, which is currently prevalent in China and is becoming more prevalent in other parts of Asia, has been the subject of intense scrutiny from experts.A CDC spokesperson said in a statement, "CDC is in regular contact with international partners and is aware of reported cases of COVID-19 NB.1.8.1 in China."The agency's variant estimates dashboard does not currently include enough reported U.S. sequences of the number of cases has increased, Hong Kong officials have begun to advise residents to wear masks in crowded areas and on public transit, despite their claims that there is no evidence that the variant, which is a descendant of the virus's XDV lineage, is more health officials have also noted an increase in ER visits, serious illnesses, and fatalities. In reaction to the outbreak, local health officials say they are accumulating vaccines and antiviral are urged not to panic but remain vigilant and alert. With the number of cases remaining low nationally, health officials recommend reverting to simple precautions, particularly in crowded or confined areas. Wearing masks while using public transportation or during travel is an easy step to take to minimize need to update COVID-19 vaccines for the upcoming fall and winter seasons was discussed by outside vaccine advisers to the Food and Drug season's vaccines targeted a JN.1 descendant known as KP.2. According to preliminary data provided by Pfizer and Moderna, switching to a different JN.1 descendant known as LP.8.1 may increase protection against disagreements over specifics, the committee unanimously supported the recommendation that vaccines for the upcoming season target some form of JN.1 some advocated for the update to focus on the LP.8.1 descendant of JN.1 that Pfizer and Moderna have prototyped, others supported letting vaccine manufacturers continue using the vaccines from the previous it has been detected in travelers and reported in several states, including California, Ohio, and New yet, the variant isn't more severe, but it may spread more easily. Stay informed and consider vaccine options this autumn.
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
New Covid variant detected in the US: What you need to know
The United States has identified multiple cases of a new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, which has been associated with the recent spike in infections across China. According to a report in the CBS, the variant was detected through the CDC's airport screening program in international travelers arriving at airports in California, Washington state, Virginia, and the New York City area, according to data from testing partner Ginkgo Bioworks. Genomic sequencing results published on the GISAID database indicate that the infected travelers came from countries including China, Japan, South Korea, France, Thailand, the Netherlands, Spain, Vietnam, and Taiwan. The tests were conducted between April 22 and May 12. In addition to airport screenings, health departments in Ohio, Rhode Island, and Hawaii have also reported cases of NB.1.8.1. The earliest U.S. cases date back to late March in California and Washington. The variant, currently dominant in China, is spreading across parts of Asia. Hong Kong has reported its highest COVID-19 levels in a year, with rising emergency visits and hospitalizations. While Hong Kong authorities say NB.1.8.1 does not appear more severe than previous strains, they've advised mask-wearing in public transport. Taiwan has also reported increases in severe cases and fatalities, prompting the government to stockpile vaccines and antiviral drugs. Live Events Preliminary Chinese research suggests NB.1.8.1 is not more immune-evasive than other variants but shows stronger cell-binding abilities, potentially making it more transmissible. During a recent FDA advisory meeting, vaccine makers Pfizer and Moderna presented data indicating that updated vaccines targeting the LP.8.1 variant may offer protection against NB.1.8.1. The panel recommended updating fall and winter vaccines to target a JN.1 variant, though opinions varied on which specific descendant to select. According to CBS news, only one variant—XFC—is currently showing notable growth in the U.S. CDC officials say the virus is settling into a more predictable seasonal pattern, with biannual surges. Recent data show national COVID-19 rates have declined, based on ER visits and wastewater surveillance.
CBS News
23-05-2025
- Health
- CBS News
U.S. reports cases of new COVID variant NB.1.8.1 behind surge in China
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's airport screening program has detected multiple cases of the new COVID-19 variant NB.1.8.1, which has been linked to a large surge of the virus in China. Cases linked to the NB.1.8.1 variant have been reported in arriving international travelers at airports in California, Washington state, Virginia and the New York City area, according to records uploaded by the CDC's airport testing partner Ginkgo Bioworks. Details about the sequencing results, which were published in recent weeks on the GISAID, or Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data, virus database, show the cases stem from travelers from a number of countries, including Japan, South Korea, France, Thailand, the Netherlands, Spain, Vietnam, China and Taiwan. The travelers were tested from April 22 through May 12, the records show. A spokesperson for the CDC did not immediately respond to CBS News' request for comment. Cases of NB.1.8.1 have also now been reported by health authorities in other states, including Ohio, Rhode Island and Hawaii, separate from the airport cases. In California and Washington state, the earliest cases date back to late March and early April. Experts have been closely watching the variant, which is now dominant in China and is on the rise in parts of Asia. Hong Kong authorities say that rates of COVID-19 in the city have climbed to the worst levels they have seen in at least a year, after a "significant increase" in reported emergency room visits and hospitalizations driven by COVID-19. While authorities in Hong Kong say there is no evidence that the variant, a descendant of the XDV lineage of the virus, is more severe, they have begun urging residents to mask when in public transportation or crowded places as cases have climbed. Health authorities in Taiwan have also reported a rise in emergency room visits, severe cases and deaths. Local health authorities say they are stockpiling vaccines and antiviral treatments in response to the epidemic wave. Preliminary data from researchers in China suggest the NB.1.8.1 variant is not better at evading the immune system compared to other strains on the rise, but it does have a greater ability to bind to human cells, suggesting it could be more transmissible. "A more predictable pattern" The strain came up multiple times during a Thursday meeting of the Food and Drug Administration's outside vaccine advisers, as they wrestled with whether and how to recommend updating COVID-19 vaccines for the coming fall and winter seasons. Vaccines from last season targeted a descendant of the JN.1 variant called KP.2. Early data presented to the committee by Pfizer and Moderna suggested switching to a different JN.1 descendant that has been dominant in recent months, called LP.8.1, could boost protection against NB.1.8.1, too. "The LP.8.1 vaccine has the highest titers against LP.8.1, which is dominant in the U.S. and many other regions and cross-neutralizes other currently circulating variants, including NB.1.8.1, a dominant JN.1 subvariant in many Asian countries," Darin Edwards, lead of Moderna's COVID-19 program, told the panel. The committee unanimously backed recommending that the coming season's vaccines should target some kind of JN.1 variant, but was split on the details. Some favored allowing vaccine makers to stick with last season's vaccines, while others called for the update to target the LP.8.1 descendant of JN.1 that Pfizer and Moderna have prototyped. "Although one can't predict evolution, and you don't know how this is going to keep diversifying, the overwhelming odds are that what does come and predominate in the next few months, the next six months, next year will come from something that's circulating now. It won't come from something that doesn't exist any longer," Jerry Weir, director of the FDA's division of viral products, said. For now, CDC and FDA officials told the panel that only one strain — a variant called XFC — has been significantly growing in the U.S. But they cautioned that the evolution of the virus has been unpredictable, even as the country has settled into a relatively predictable pattern of two surges a year: once in the summer and once over the winter. This past season only saw an evolutionary "drift" in the virus, as opposed to the kind of sweeping replacements driven by highly mutated strains in some earlier years. While COVID-19 trends climbed over the winter, they remained far below previous peaks. "Throughout this winter, we didn't see that strain replacement that we have in the past couple of years. But I'm not saying that the virus will not shift again in the immediate future," the CDC's Natalie Thornburg told the panel. Thornburg is the acting chief of the laboratory branch in the CDC's division for coronaviruses and other respiratory viruses. Rates of COVID-19 have now fallen back to low levels nationwide, measured through emergency room visits and wastewater testing. "I do think after five years now, we are seeing very distinct patterns that [are] falling into a more predictable pattern," Thornburg said, citing a "seasonality analysis" that the agency has been working on about the virus.
