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New Covid Variant NB.1.8.1 Spreads to UK as Global Infections Rise

WHO designated NB.1.8.1 as a variant under monitoring in response to its transmissibility profile, urging countries to maintain vaccination programmes

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Overview

  • NB.1.8.1 accounts for about 10.7% of global Covid infections and has been detected in at least 22 countries.
  • The UK Health Security Agency has confirmed 13 cases in England and is closely tracking the variant’s domestic spread.
  • Research indicates NB.1.8.1 may transmit more efficiently than earlier strains due to key spike protein mutations.
  • Current Covid-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective against NB.1.8.1 and health authorities are promoting booster programmes for eligible groups.
  • Reduced routine testing may understate NB.1.8.1’s prevalence, prompting advice for symptomatic individuals to stay home and avoid contact with vulnerable people.