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Nimbus Covid Variant Causes ‘Razor Blade’ Throat as It Becomes Second-Most Common U.S. Strain

Health officials warn the Omicron subvariant NB.1.8.1 may become dominant by winter; vaccines continue to protect against severe illness.

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Overview

  • NB.1.8.1 now accounts for 37% of U.S. Covid-19 cases in the two weeks ending June 7, up from about 15% two weeks earlier.
  • The Omicron subvariant has been detected in at least 22 countries, with cases rising in the UK, China, Australia and Thailand.
  • Clinicians report a distinctive ‘razor blade’ sore throat alongside fatigue, cough, fever, muscle aches and occasional digestive symptoms.
  • WHO data link a spike protein mutation at position 445 to enhanced transmissibility without evidence of increased disease severity.
  • Health authorities affirm that existing vaccines protect against serious illness and urge staying current on shots and following hygiene, masking and ventilation guidance.