- NB.1.8.1, a fast-spreading COVID-19 variant, may represent more than one-third of U.S. cases.
- Experts say it’s more transmissible but not more severe than earlier variants.
- Vaccine access could be limited this fall, especially for healthy adults and children.
A fast-emerging COVID-19 variant known as NB.1.8.1 may now be responsible for over one-third of current cases in the United States, according to health authorities. Though the variant has already triggered a rise in hospitalizations across parts of Asia, experts say it does not appear to cause more severe illness than its predecessors.
Detected Through International Traveler Surveillance
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that nearly half of the COVID-19 cases detected in international travelers entering the country during the last week of May were linked to NB.1.8.1. The findings come from the CDC’s traveler surveillance program, where incoming passengers voluntarily provide nasal swabs and fill out surveys. These samples are then tested for mutations that could pose a public health risk.
Uncertainty Remains, But Spread Is Evident
While the CDC acknowledged that the variant estimates have a wide margin of error, the data strongly suggest NB.1.8.1 is spreading quickly. “NB.1.8.1 does not appear to cause more severe illness but does have a growth advantage, meaning it is likely more transmissible,” said Dr. Subhash Verma, professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Nevada, Reno.
Symptoms Consistent with Earlier Strains
Infected individuals typically report symptoms similar to previous variants, such as:
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Fatigue
Vaccination Access May Be More Limited This Fall
As the virus continues to evolve, vaccine accessibility is also shifting. In May, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it will continue to authorize updated vaccines for high-risk populations, including seniors, pregnant individuals, and people with chronic health conditions like diabetes.
However, vaccine manufacturers will be required to conduct larger clinical trials to secure approvals for wider use. This could delay or restrict access for healthy children and adults during the upcoming fall season.
Policy Changes Around Vaccine Recommendations
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently stated that he would revoke the CDC’s recommendation for COVID-19 vaccinations among healthy pregnant women and children. In response, the CDC clarified that children without underlying health conditions may still be vaccinated if both their guardians and healthcare providers decide it’s appropriate.
“Children 6 months and older may receive COVID-19 vaccines if parents wish and it aligns with clinical judgment and individual circumstances,” the CDC stated.
With NB.1.8.1 gaining momentum, public health agencies continue to monitor its trajectory and evaluate potential policy adjustments.
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Source: HealthDay
