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