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WHO Monitors New COVID-19 Variant NB.1.8.1 and Confirms Low Risk

Experts believe existing vaccines will remain effective against the Omicron-derived strain that represents over 10% of global infections after it became dominant in Hong Kong and China.

Overview

  • The World Health Organization has classified NB.1.8.1 as a variant under monitoring but assesses the current public health risk as low.
  • First identified on January 22, NB.1.8.1 has spread from Asia to Europe and popular tourist destinations including Egypt, Thailand and the Maldives.
  • Clinical reports indicate the variant causes similar respiratory symptoms to earlier strains but with more pronounced fatigue, appetite loss and occasional gastrointestinal distress.
  • Infectious disease specialists, including Dr. Luis Buzón, see no evidence that NB.1.8.1 leads to increased severity or mortality compared with prior variants.
  • The WHO recommends continued genomic surveillance and tailored health responses without imposing travel or trade restrictions.