Rising COVID-19 Variant Causes Concerns Abroad; Medical Professionals Urge Against Hysteria
The emergence of the new COVID-19 variant NB.1.8.1, a derivative of the Omicron variant, is gaining global attention, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). Despite an absence of substantial cases in the United States, the variant is showing a notable increase in cases in certain world regions.
Symptoms associated with NB.1.8.1 exhibit similarities to other COVID-19 variants, and the public health risk remains minimized according to WHO data. The first sample of this variant was collected on January 22, and it was designated a variant under monitoring on May 23 by the WHO.
Since the detection of Omicron in 2021, COVID-19 cases have predominantly been attributed to a multitude of its descendent subvariants, though none have sparked the surge in cases that occurred during the peak of the pandemic. As of May 18, there were 518 confirmed NB.1.8.1 cases across 22 countries, with this number representing a significant increase from 2.5% four weeks prior, accounting for 10.7% of global cases at the end of April.
Dr. Todd Ellerin, chief of infectious diseases at South Shore Health, cautioned about the possibility of a summer surge in cases, indicating uncertainty regarding whether NB.1.8.1 will lead to such a surge. John Brownstein, chief innovation officer at Boston Children's Hospital and a contributor to our website, emphasized that the severity of the variant does not appear to be higher than that of other circulating variants.
Brownstein explained that while the variant's mutations on the surface proteins of the virus might increase transmissibility slightly, they are not expected to significantly impact the effectiveness of currently approved COVID-19 vaccines. He suggested ensuring individuals are up to date with their vaccines, booster shots, and taking additional precautions for high-risk groups and immunocompromised individuals remains the best defense against the virus.
- In light of the growing number of NB.1.8.1 cases globally, it's crucial to prioritize health and wellness, especially for those with medical-conditions, by staying updated with science-backed guidelines, such as vaccinations and precautions, to minimize risks posed by this COVID-19 variant.
- As the public health risk remains minimized according to the WHO, it's important to remember that politics should not interfere with the implementation of science-based measures for addressing medical-conditions, like COVID-19, to ensure the wellbeing of all individuals, regardless of their geographical location.
