A new variant of Covid, known as NB.1.8.1, has put the world on alert. Public health officials and infectious disease experts here in the U.S. are worried as they watch its rapid spread closely. By late April, this variant had increased to almost 11% of all genetic sequences submitted to the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID). This was a huge increase from 2.5% just over two weeks earlier in early March. Doctors and epidemiologists warn that NB.1.8.1 could lead to a rise in Covid-19 cases this summer, particularly among vulnerable populations.
The World Health Organization is keeping an eye on the NB.1.8.1 variant as well. This strain has been recently identified in several other states, as well as in Europe, Southeast Asia, and North and South America. Over in the United States, Rhode Island’s health department reported on the variant’s introduction into the state. Researchers have connected the NB.1.8.1 strain to a separate variant called JN.1. As it stands, the booster vaccinations that Pfizer and Moderna have on offer all focus on this strain.
Now that summer is underway, health experts worry that NB.1.8.1 has the potential to be even more infectious than the dominant strain now, LP.8.1. This increased transmissibility raises fears of a potential surge in cases during warmer months, a pattern observed in previous years when Covid-19 cases typically rise twice annually—once in the summer and again in winter.
Dr. Thomas Russo, an infectious disease expert, emphasized that the combination of factors surrounding NB.1.8.1 could contribute to its dominance in the coming months.
“Whether it gets a foothold in this country and it becomes our new dominant variant or not remains to be seen,” – Dr. Thomas Russo
As with all variants, the transmissibility of NB.1.8.1 is an important concern. At-risk populations could be even more susceptible to dire consequences from Covid-19 thanks to this variant. Pregnant people, as well as kids under five years old, are at even higher risk this winter. Therefore, healthcare professionals are watching the outbreak carefully.
Dr. Scott Roberts spoke about the anticipated rise in cases associated with the new variant:
“I’m going to go ahead and guess that it’s going to lead to an uptick in the summer — probably a mild to moderate one,” – Dr. Scott Roberts
Experts recommend exercising caution, even though vaccinations are now available to protect against the virus. Even immunocompetent adults with a complete vaccination history may not be fully protected against NB.1.8.1. Immunity from the vaccines has been shown to decrease over time, and of course the virus has been mutating all along,” noted Dr. Russo.
“Even for people that have received one shot, two shots, even three shots — yes, that’s better than no shot,” – Dr. Thomas Russo
“But we know that immunity wanes and we know the virus evolves,” – Dr. Thomas Russo
Since mid-April, the related strain LP.8.1 has almost disappeared. This decline is important because it signals that our current elementary strategies are losing effectiveness against newer variants such as NB.1.8.1.
Health officials are preparing for how this new variant could affect their communities. In doing so, they highlight the importance of all of us continuing to be watchful and practice public health recommendations. Vaccination is our best and most effective shield against Covid-19. Keep track of what vaccines and boosters you need to stay aware as new strains occur.
