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yesterday

NB.1.8.1 Variant Now Accounts for Over a Third of U.S. COVID Cases

Health authorities warn of a potential summer surge with vaccine recommendations shifting toward higher-risk populations.

On May 23, the World Health Organization called NB.1.8.1 a “variant under monitoring” because of how fast it’s spreading
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Overview

  • CDC sequencing data estimate NB.1.8.1 makes up about 37% of U.S. COVID-19 cases but acknowledge a wide margin of error due to limited samples
  • Genomic analyses trace NB.1.8.1 to late January 2025 as a descendant of Omicron JN.1 with spike protein mutations that boost transmissibility without increasing severity
  • Reported symptoms of NB.1.8.1 mirror earlier variants, most commonly including cough, sore throat, fever and fatigue
  • CDC continues to recommend COVID-19 vaccination for children aged 6 months and older based on shared decision-making and advises high-risk adults to stay up to date
  • FDA plans to authorize updated vaccine boosters for seniors and people with underlying conditions after targeted clinical trials, with broader approvals pending larger studies