A new, more powerful variant of COVID, called NB.1.8.1 that has most recently been identified, has heightened fears of its widespread dissemination throughout the United States. This variant originated first in Asia. It has led to a dramatic increase in hospitalizations and emergency department visits in multiple countries, predominantly China. Health officials have been watching the potential effects of the virus as it establishes a stronger presence within the U.S. They are alarmed over the Trump administration’s new constraints on vaccine access.
NB.1.8.1, classified as an omicron subvariant, has been monitored in at least 22 countries, including more than a dozen states in the U.S. ( Figure 1 ). According to reporting, so far it’s been traced back to New York, California, Arizona, Ohio, and Rhode Island. The variant’s quick spread underscores existing challenges in mitigating COVID-19 as new efforts to vaccinate the population have been set back.
Health Implications of NB.1.8.1
The emergence of NB.1.8.1 has caused surging hospitalizations in parts of Asia, alarming public health officials. In China, the variant was responsible for a significant wave of new infections, triggering increased public health measures and mobilization.
Even with these upward trends, experts are indicating that NB.1.8.1 doesn’t appear to be causing more severe illness compared to previous variants.
“Data indicates that NB.1.8.1 does not lead to more severe illness compared to previous variants, although it appears to have a growth advantage, suggesting it may spread more easily,” – Subhash Verma.
Verma further clarified the implications of this growth advantage by stating:
“In other words, it is more transmissible.”
These data highlight the need for close watch and ongoing surveillance as this variant continues to circulate.
Vaccine Access and Recommendations
Compounding the challenges NB.1.8.1 aims to address, the Trump administration has combined to make access to vaccines recently deleterious. We are glad to see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) take a bold and comprehensive approach to protect children. They’ve delisted the COVID vaccine from the recommended immunization schedule for healthy children and pregnant women.
Dr. Paul Offit noted the implications of reduced vaccine access:
“The only thing that can come of this will make vaccines less insurable and less available.”
At present, there are six other COVID variants being watched by the CDC, NB.1.8.1 among them.
