Latest news with #variant
National Post
13 hours ago
- Health
- National Post
'Swallowing razor blades': What to know about the painful symptom linked to latest COVID strain
Article content The World Health Organization recently designated NB.1.8.1 as a variant under monitoring. The strain, nicknamed 'Nimbus,' has reportedly been causing extremely painful sort throats in those who have been infected with it. Article content Cases of the Nimbus variant have been rising. It has been detected in 22 countries as of May 18 and made up 10.7 per cent of the global COVID samples taken in late April, WHO said. That was considered a 'significant rise in prevalence' since it only made up 2.5 per cent of global COVID samples four weeks prior. However, WHO deemed the overall risk of Nimbus to be low. Article content Article content '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,' according to WHO. Article content Article content It has been described by some as 'akin to swallowing shattered glass or razor blades,' news network NTD reported. Article content However, infectious disease specialist at University of California San Francisco Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, told the San Francisco Chronicle that a sore throat from COVID is 'not novel at all.' Article content Other symptoms of COVID include runny nose, new or worsening cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, fatigue or weakness, muscle or body aches, new loss of smell or taste, headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting. Article content Article content This particular strain 'isn't too different from the Omicron variant, but it does have some tweaks to its spike protein,' according to general practitioner from private healthcare centre Pall Mall Medical in the United Kingdom Dr. Chun Tang, The Independent reported. That means it could 'spread a bit more easily or slip past some of our existing immunity.' Article content 'That said, early signs suggest it doesn't seem to cause more serious illness, but of course, we're still learning more about it,' said Tang.
News24
10-06-2025
- Health
- News24
New Covid-19 variant being monitored, but no resurgence of cases
Authorities are monitoring a new Covid-19 variant. However, this has not resulted in a resurgence of cases in South Africa. South Africa has also seen a seasonal increase in influenza. Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said South Africa is monitoring a new Covid-19 variant, but has not seen a resurgence in cases. Motsoaledi said that the new variant, known as Nimbus or NB.1.8.1, has been linked to a resurgence of cases in parts of Asia. 'The World Health Organisation (WHO) has designated this a variant under monitoring due to its growing presence,' he added. Speaking at the G20 Health Working Group Meeting on Tuesday, Motsoaledi said that South Africa continues to have robust surveillance systems in place. 'Our National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) manages a comprehensive Sentinel Surveillance programme that systematically tests for key respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and RSV. Currently, our data shows very low SARS-CoV-2 activity,' Motsoaledi said. READ | Trying to keep colds and flu's at bay this winter? Here's what you need in your kit He added that while there had been a seasonal increase in influenza, his department was 'well prepared to manage this' and that Covid-19 vaccinations should still prove effective. 'Crucially, the new variant remains a descendant of the Omicron lineage,' he said. This means that current recommendations for updated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are still effective. Therefore, at this stage, no specific new public health actions are required from the public. 'We continue to advocate for maintaining good hygiene practices – such as handwashing, covering coughs, and staying home when unwell. These simple measures are effective in reducing the spread of all respiratory illnesses. We will continue to monitor the situation closely through our established networks and will report any significant changes.' A circular from the WHO shows that there has been a slight increase in the spread of Covid-19 in some regions due to the new variant. The WHO is closely observing the new variant and said that, while its unique mutations may slightly impact its contagiousness, current Covid-19 vaccines were still expected to provide strong protection. The WHO said there was no evidence that this variant caused more severe illnesses than previous ones.
The Independent
06-06-2025
- Health
- The Independent
What you need to know about the new Covid strain NB.1.8.1 detected in the UK
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.
The Independent
05-06-2025
- Health
- The Independent
First cases of Covid variant NB.1.8.1 detected in England as virus spreads across UK
The first cases of a new Covid-19 variant have been detected in England as the virus spreads across Britain, the UK 's health agency has confirmed The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said 13 cases of Covid strain NB.1.8.1 had been recorded in England, with 'small numbers' detected across the UK. It's unclear how many cases of the new strain, which now account for just over 10 per cent of global infections, have been recorded in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. Since first being recognised in January 2025, the omicron variant has spread to several states across the US, Australia, Thailand and is the most dominant variant in China and Hong Kong. UKHSA deputy director Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam said it was unlikely to pose more severe disease than other variants. Common symptoms align with typical Omicron subvariants and include fatigue, fever, muscle aches and a sore throat, according to the World Health Organisation. But given the dwindling number of people testing for Covid-19, it has become increasingly difficult to know the true number of infections. The World Health Organisation has designated the NB.1.8.1 as a 'variant under monitoring', and comprises around 10.7 per cent of all submitted sequences worldwide. While it first appeared in samples at the beginning of this year, data from GISAID, a global data of genetic sequences of major disease-causing viruses, show that the first known cases were registered at the end of April. Current Covid jabs are expected to remain effective against this variant and protect anyone infected from severe illness. Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, UKHSA deputy director, told The Independent: 'It is normal for viruses to mutate and change over time. UKHSA is monitoring all available data relating to SARS-CoV-2 variants in the UK and abroad, and we continue to publish our findings in our regular Flu and COVID-19 surveillance reports. 'NB.1.8.1 has been detected in small numbers in the UK to date, but international data suggests that it is growing as a proportion of all COVID-19 cases. 'Based on the available information so far however, there is no evidence to suggest that this variant causes more severe disease than previous variants, or that the vaccines in current use will be less effective against it.'
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Covid NB.1.8.1 cases 'rapidly' rising - what is known about new variant so far
Health experts have warned that cases of a new COVID-19 variant are on the rise around the world. Covid NB.1.8.1 is a variation of the XDV.1.5.1 strain and was first detected back in January 2025. However, reports of the new variant are "growing rapidly", according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), and it is showing some signs of "additional immune evasion" compared to others. The WHO has placed the Covid NB.1.8.1 "under monitoring" due to the rise in cases worldwide. It is one of six COVID-19 variants currently being monitored. The new 'Strategic and operational plan for coronavirus disease threat management: at a glance' sets out the global framework for supporting Member States in the sustained, integrated, evidence-based management of coronavirus disease threats, including #COVID19, MERS, and… — World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) May 28, 2025 However, the WHO stated that the risk posed by the new variant was "low," and that approved COVID-19 vaccines are expected to be effective against it. The world health experts, in a recent risk evaluation, said: "Despite a concurrent increase in cases and hospitalisations 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 added: "The available evidence on NB.1.8.1 does not suggest additional public health risks relative to the other currently circulating Omicron descendent lineages." COVID NB.1.8.1 has already been detected in 22 countries. These include the likes of Australia, China, Hong Kong, Thailand and the US, according to The Independent. The coming COVID-19 Winter Surge in Australia will show the world where we are actually headed is happening in South-Eats Asia and East Asia are just the 'preludes'...watch how NB.1.8.1 spawns are evolving including PQ.1, PQ.2 and even sub-lineages like PE.1. — Thailand Medical News (@ThailandMedicaX) June 4, 2025 Cases of the NB.1.8.1 variant have also been confirmed in Northern Ireland, Wales, and "popular British tourist hotspots", the news outlet added. Health organisations are yet to list any symptoms unique to Covid NB.1.8.1. However, common symptoms of other COVID-19 variants, according to the NHS, include: High temperature or shivering (chills) New, continuous cough (this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours) Loss or change to your sense of smell or taste Shortness of breath Feeling tired or exhausted Aching body Headache Sore throat Blocked or runny nose Loss of appetite Diarrhoea Feeling sick or being sick COVID-19 vaccines are available in the UK, and are usually offered on the NHS in spring and early winter. The vaccine is available for those: Aged 75 or over (including those who will be 75 by 17 June, 2025) Aged 6 months to 74 years and have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment Live in a care home for older adults RECOMMENDED READING: The common disease medical experts believe will cause the next global pandemic Am I eligible for free prescriptions? Yes, if you have 1 of these 11 conditions The 6 beers that are good for your health (and the ones to avoid) The NHS said: "The COVID-19 vaccines are offered because viruses change and protection fades over time. It's important to top up your protection if you're eligible." The vaccine helps: Reduce your risk of getting severe symptoms Recover more quickly if you catch COVID-19 Reduce your risk of having to go to hospital or dying from COVID-19 Protect against different types of COVID-19 virus Eligible people can book in for a vaccination via the NHS website, the NHS App, or by attending a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination site.
