Rising Infections of COVID-19 Variant NB.1.8.1 in China and Its Emergence in America
COVID-19 Remains a Threat as New SARS-CoV-2 Variant Emerges
Approximately 350 deaths per week due to COVID-19 have been reported in the United States over the past month. Long COVID continues to impact countless individuals. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) remains a global concern, as it persists in spreading, mutating, and causing COVID-19. A new variant known as NB.1.8.1 has been making headlines, causing surges in cases in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan and now spreading in the U.S.
In North America, several SARS-CoV-2 variants have been circulating, with NB.1.8.1 now becoming the dominant strain. Previous strains, such as XEC and LF.7, have largely been on their way out, with the exception of XEC in Japan. Researchers worldwide continue to monitor and collaborate on tracking global virus activity.
The dominant variant in North America, parts of South America, much of Europe, and South Africa is currently LP.8.1, which was first detected in September 2024 and quickly spread worldwide. However, two new variants, XFG and NB.1.8.1, are gaining traction. XFG is a recombinant of LF.7 and LP.8.1.2 and was first found in Quebec in early February, with U.S. testing detecting it near the end of the month. Meanwhile, NB.1.8.1 has been surfacing in Hong Kong and China, causing a surge in emergency room visits and hospitalizations in these locations.
As of the end of April, both XFG and NB.1.8.1 have been spreading at a similar rate, with XFG gaining a foothold in North America and Europe while NB.1.8.1 became the dominant variant in Hong Kong and China. It's possible that we are witnessing an "Alien vs. Predator" situation, as each variant has its competitive advantage. NB.1.8.1 seems to connect more readily to human cells, while XFG may evade immune protection better. The outcome may depend on individual exposure and vaccination status in each location.
Vaccination remains a crucial intervention to prevent severe disease and death, as recommended by public health authorities. Currently available COVID-19 vaccines contain either spike proteins or mRNA codes for these proteins, first rolled out last fall and initially targeting the KP.2 variant (a descendant of the JN.1 variant). Vaccines will be updated to more recent variants, such as LP.8.1 or NB.1.8.1, to provide better protection.
In the U.S., NB.1.8.1 has been detected among travelers entering through major airports, such as California, Washington state, Virginia, and New York City. Early cases have been reported in states like Ohio, Rhode Island, and Hawaii. With no organized and comprehensive surveillance system in place, the U.S. relies on incidental detections through testing, sequencing, and reporting to public health officials.
As the U.S. deals with the threat of NB.1.8.1 and continues its response to COVID-19, there is little guidance from the federal government regarding policy or strategy. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently considering rolling back approval of COVID-19 vaccines to individuals over 65 or those with chronic conditions, potentially leaving a larger portion of the population vulnerable to circulating variants.
While SARS-CoV-2 is no longer the threat it once was, due in large part to growing immunity among the population, the virus has not been eradicated. The global community must remain vigilant and continue collaborative efforts to monitor and combat COVID-19 and its variants, such as NB.1.8.1.
[Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
- In the medical-conditions field, the emergence of the NB.1.8.1 variant of SARS-CoV-2 has become a major concern for scientists, as it has been causing surges in cases in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, and is now spreading in the U.S.
- With regards to health-and-wellness, the science community continues to closely monitor new variants like NB.1.8.1, collaborating to track global virus activity and update COVID-19 vaccines for better protection against emerging strains.
