A new and highly transmissible COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, has been identified in multiple U.S. states, prompting heightened surveillance by health authorities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed detections through its airport screening programme, with cases reported in California, Washington, Virginia, Ohio, Rhode Island, and Hawaii. The variant, a descendant of the Omicron lineage, has also been linked to a significant surge in hospitalisations across China and other parts of Asia.
First identified in international travellers arriving in the U.S. between late March and early April, NB.1.8.1 has since been found in community settings within the aforementioned states. While the number of confirmed cases in the U.S. remains low, the variant’s rapid spread in other regions has raised concerns among public health officials. In China, particularly in Hong Kong, authorities have reported the highest levels of COVID-19 activity in over a year, with a notable increase in emergency room visits and hospitalisations, especially among individuals aged 65 and above.
NB.1.8.1 is characterised by its enhanced ability to bind to human cells, potentially increasing its transmissibility compared to previous strains. Preliminary data suggest that while the variant may partially evade immune responses, existing vaccines continue to offer protection against severe disease. The World Health Organization has classified NB.1.8.1 as a “variant under monitoring,” indicating that, despite its spread, it currently poses a low public health risk.
In response to the emergence of NB.1.8.1, U.S. health authorities are reassessing vaccination strategies. The Food and Drug Administration has announced that updated COVID-19 vaccines will be prioritised for older adults and individuals with certain medical conditions. Vaccinations are no longer recommended for healthy children and pregnant women, a decision that has elicited concern from some medical experts who fear it may leave these populations vulnerable.
Symptoms associated with NB.1.8.1 are similar to those of other Omicron variants, including fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, and congestion. There is currently no evidence to suggest that the variant causes more severe illness than previous strains. However, its increased transmissibility underscores the importance of continued vigilance and adherence to public health measures.
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