New COVID-19 variant causing spike in China cases identified by U.S. sources
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President Donald Trump has signed an executive order banning funding for gain-of-function research, which is under scrutiny for its possible role in the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified a new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, linked to a spike in cases in China. However, the number of detected cases is insufficient for the strain to be included in the agency's COVID Data Tracker.
While the CDC has detected the new variant in the U.S., the agency reports that emergency room visits for influenza, COVID, and RSV are currently "very low." In its two-week predictions for COVID and influenza, the CDC anticipates the number of ER visits will likely remain at the current low level.
A CDC map showing COVID-19 cases detected through wastewater (sewage) testing indicates that most states are experiencing either low or very low levels of the virus. The only state showing a high level of viral activity, according to CDC data, is South Dakota.
The COVID-19 NB.1.8.1 variant has been associated with a high number of cases in China and Hong Kong. Earlier this month, Hong Kong authorities urged the public, particularly high-risk individuals, to wear surgical masks. However, they noted that there is no evidence suggesting NB.1.8.1 is more severe than other COVID-19 variants.
The new variant is a sublineage of Omicron, descended from the recombinant variant XDV.1.5.1, part of the broader JN.1 lineage. It was first detected on January 22, 2025, and has now been classified as a "variant under monitoring" (VUM) by the World Health Organization (WHO).
In the U.S., cases of the NB.1.8.1 variant have been found through airport testing conducted by the CDC, in states such as California, Washington, Virginia, and New York. It has also been detected in Ohio and Rhode Island through state testing.
WHO and FDA vaccine advisers continue to recommend vaccines based on the JN.1 lineage, which are expected to remain effective against symptomatic and severe disease caused by NB.1.8.1. Public health officials advise staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations, wearing masks in crowded or enclosed spaces, practicing good hand hygiene, and monitoring for symptoms. Ongoing surveillance is critical, as increased transmission could lead to higher infection rates and potential pressure on healthcare systems.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) has added the recently discovered COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, to their list of "variants under monitoring" (VUM), raising concerns in the realm of health-and-wellness and politics.
- Breaking news indicates that cases of the NB.1.8.1 variant have been found in several states across the United States, including California, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, and Virginia, highlighting its global spread and the importance of continued medical-condition monitoring and science-based strategies.
- As entities like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) continually monitor the NB.1.8.1 variant, it is crucial for the public to prioritize health-and-wellness measures, such as staying updated on vaccinations, wearing masks, maintaining good hygiene, and being vigilant for symptoms, to protect against the potential rise in cases and potential strain on healthcare systems.
