A new COVID-19 variant known as NB.1.8.1 has been detected in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This variant has been linked to a surge in COVID-19 cases in China and Hong Kong. While its presence in the U.S. is confirmed, health experts say the number of cases is still too small to track officially.
What We Know About the NB.1.8.1 Variant
The CDC told Fox News Digital that fewer than 20 cases of the NB.1.8.1 variant have been identified in the U.S. so far. Here are the key points:
The variant was detected through routine surveillance of virus samples.
There have not been enough cases for it to appear in the official COVID Data Tracker dashboard.
The CDC is continuing to monitor all virus sequences closely. If the variant starts spreading more widely, it will be added to the dashboard.
“We monitor all SARS-CoV-2 sequences, and if it increases in proportion, it will appear on the Data Tracker dashboard,” a CDC spokesperson explained.
How Was the Variant Found?
According to CBS News, the new variant was identified through the CDC’s airport screening program, which checks travellers arriving from abroad. However, the CDC has not officially confirmed this detail.
Current COVID-19 Situation in the U.S.
Despite the discovery of the NB.1.8.1 variant, the CDC reported on 23 May that emergency room visits for COVID-19, influenza, and RSV are currently at very low levels across the country. The agency’s forecast suggests this trend is expected to continue over the next two weeks.
Wastewater testing (which checks sewage for traces of the virus) shows low to very low levels of COVID-19 in most U.S. states.
South Dakota is the only state currently reporting high levels of COVID-19 activity.
What’s Happening in China and Hong Kong?
The NB.1.8.1 variant is reportedly causing a spike in COVID-19 cases in China and Hong Kong. Earlier this month, Hong Kong authorities issued a public health advisory:
People, especially those at higher risk, were urged to wear surgical masks.
Authorities clarified that NB.1.8.1 is not more severe than previous COVID-19 variants.
Should We Be Worried?
At the moment, U.S. health officials say there’s no need for immediate concern. The variant is still rare, and overall virus activity remains low. However, the CDC is monitoring the situation carefully.
Stay Informed: Keep an eye on updates from trusted sources like the CDC, World Health Organization (WHO), and your local health department.
References
Fox News Digital: CDC confirms NB.1.8.1 variant presence in U.S.
CBS News: New COVID variant linked to China surge
CDC COVID Data Tracker: Official dashboard
Hong Kong Health Authorities: Public advisory on NB.1.8.1 variant