A new variant of Covid-19, NB.1.8.1, is shaking global health authorities as it spreads rapidly across the globe.
Spread of the NB.1.8.1 variant in Asia (1/12)
The NB.1.8.1 variant of Covid-19 appeared in China and spread rapidly across Asia, reaching regions such as Hong Kong where a significant rebound in the epidemic was observed. This sub-lineage of the Omicron variant, known for its high contagiousness, was classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a ‘variant under surveillance’ on May 23. This classification, created in 2020, is reserved for variants presenting an increased risk to public health.
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Significant mutations of the NB.1.8.1 variant (2/12)
Professor Yves Buisson, a member of the National Academy of Medicine, pointed out that NB.1.8.1 has ‘three fairly significant mutations’ compared to its predecessor, which could make it the majority in the future. For his part, virologist Bruno Lina told BFMTV that the specificities of this variant could make it dominant. In Asia, particularly in Taiwan, the National Center for Diseases reported a 66% increase in consultations related to Covid-19 in one week.
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Appearance of the NB.1.8.1 variant in Europe and the United States (3/12)
In Europe, the NB.1.8.1 variant has appeared in Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands, with France recording its first cases in March. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the variant has been circulating since the beginning of April, but its epidemiological impact remains uncertain. In the United States, cases have been detected in international travelers arriving in several states, including California and New York.
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WHO reassures on the effectiveness of vaccines (4/12)
The WHO has reassured the public that the current Covid-19 vaccines should remain effective against this variant to prevent symptomatic and severe forms of the disease. However, it calls for vigilance, especially in Asia where the variant has become dominant. Hong Kong reported that key Covid-19 surveillance indicators were at their highest level in a year, prompting authorities to tighten hygiene measures.
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