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.