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yesterday

Nimbus Variant Now Makes Up 37% of US COVID Cases With Razor-Throat Symptom

Global health authorities say current vaccines remain protective against the rapidly spreading strain.

FILE: A new “razor blade throat” COVID subvariant is spreading in California.
FILE: A group of masks laid in a pattern on a colored background. Health officials say a new subvariant of COVID nicknamed Nimbus is spreading in California.
Stock image of a man holding his painful throat, and inset, illustration of a COVID-19 mutation.

Overview

  • NB.1.8.1, nicknamed Nimbus, accounted for 37% of US COVID-19 diagnoses from May 25 to June 7, making it the second-most common strain after Omicron LP.8.1.
  • Clinicians describe a distinctive “razor throat” characterized by a sharp, stabbing sore throat often paired with fatigue, mild cough, fever, muscle aches and occasional digestive issues.
  • The World Health Organization classified Nimbus as a “variant under monitoring” in May following its January emergence in China and has since reported its presence in at least 22 countries.
  • Data from the UK Health Security Agency show COVID-related hospital admissions in the UK rose nearly 10% in the week ending May 31 as Nimbus’s share of cases climbed.
  • Preliminary evidence indicates Nimbus does not cause more severe illness than previous variants, reinforcing current public health guidance.