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WHO Monitors Highly Contagious ‘Nimbus’ COVID Variant as Global Cases Climb

Health authorities urge booster vaccinations for vulnerable people in light of rising transmissions during summer gatherings.

Frau mit Halsschmerzen
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Die Bilder von überfüllten Krankenstationen zu Pandemie-Zeiten sind allen noch immer präsent. Droht Berlin jetzt die nächste Corona-Welle?

Overview

  • Nimbus, or NB.1.8.1, rose from 2.5% to 10.7% of global COVID-19 cases in April and made up 16.7% of German infections by early May
  • Genetic mutations in the spike protein have boosted Nimbus’s infectiousness and enabled spread in warm, humid conditions
  • Patients report razor-blade-sharp sore throats alongside fatigue, fever and muscle aches, but current data show no increase in severe illness or mortality
  • The World Health Organization classifies Nimbus as a variant under monitoring and confirms existing vaccines should prevent severe outcomes
  • UK Health Security Agency and other national bodies recommend booster shots for people over 75 and immunocompromised individuals ahead of a possible summer wave