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yesterday

Omicron Subvariant NB.1.8.1 Accounts for a Third of U.S. COVID Cases

Health authorities warn its transmission advantage, waning immunity, seasonal travel, relaxed precautions heighten the risk of a summer surge.

© A. Aleksandravicius via Shutterstock
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

  • The CDC estimates NB.1.8.1 caused about 37% of U.S. COVID infections as of early June, with a possible range of 13%–68% due to limited sequencing data.
  • WHO designated NB.1.8.1 a “variant under monitoring” on May 23 after it was detected in at least 22 countries and 14 U.S. states.
  • Genetic analyses show NB.1.8.1 carries multiple spike protein mutations that boost transmissibility without evidence of increased severity.
  • Current vaccines are expected to protect against both symptomatic and severe disease, though updated jabs will require large new trials before full approval, limiting access for healthy adults and children.
  • Experts caution that fading immunity, increased travel and relaxed preventive measures could combine to drive a COVID uptick this summer.