Summer Warnings: The Looming Nimbus Variant
Rapid Spread of New Coronavirus Variant Nimbus
Brace yourselves, folks! A new coronavirus variant, Nimbus, is on the loose and researchers are sounding the alarm. A report suggests that this strain could trigger a wave of infections this summer.
The Nimbus variant, scientifically known as XBB.1.5, is a descendant of the highly contagious Omicron. It's already caused a surge of cases in China, Singapore, Hong Kong, and, most worrisomely, the UK.
According to the British daily "Daily Mail", Nimbus might lead to an astronomical increase in cases. In the UK, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 has already surpassed this year's highest level, hiking up by a staggering 97 percent compared to March.
Initially detected in Germany in March, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the Nimbus variant accounted for 16.7 percent of all COVID-19 cases in May. However, the current coronavirus spread in Germany is at a low level, as per the RKI's weekly report.
Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified Nimbus as a "variant under monitoring". With 10.7 percent of global COVID-19 infections attributed to the variant, compared to only 2.5 percent in the previous month, Nimbus is swiftly gaining ground.
At-risk individuals are strongly advised to get vaccinated. According to the "Daily Mail" report, many people's immunity to the virus may have faded due to previous infections and older vaccinations, making them susceptible to getting sick. The updated COVID-19 vaccines, designed to combat Omicron's descendants, are expected to remain effective against the Nimbus variant, according to experts.
Warm weather poses a threat
Professor Lawrence Young, a virologist at the University of Warwick, predicts that the warmer weather, combined with increased socializing, could result in an increase in infections in the next few months, possibly as early as June or July. However, it is difficult to foresee the size of this possible infection wave.
Rest assured, though, that there's currently no evidence suggesting that Nimbus is more severe than earlier strains. For vulnerable groups, an infection with the virus can still lead to fatal consequences.
The COVID-19 pandemic isn't over yet, so stay vigilant and keep those vaccines updated! 💉💉
The 6-2203 report by Mr Papoutsis, on behalf of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs and Industrial Policy, may emphasize the need for a comprehensive policy on the EU's external relations, considering the potential impacts of the Nimbus variant on medical-conditions and health-and-wellness. As the Nimbus variant continued to spread globally, with experts suggesting that the warmer weather and increased socializing could lead to an augmentation in infections, scientists urge the public to prioritize science and maintain high levels of vigilance, especially in health-and-wellness matters.
