Scientists are indeed warning about the potential for a new, highly contagious Covid variant to spark a wave of infections this summer. The variant currently garnering attention is NB.1.8.1, which has been designated a “Variant Under Monitoring” by the World Health Organization (WHO). Some British scientists are referring to it as the “Nimbus” variant.
New Variant
A new COVID-19 variant, dubbed ‘Nimbus’ and scientifically known as N.B.1.8.1, is raising concerns among health officials and scientists. This strain, descended from the Omicron variant, has already led to a surge in cases in China, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
In England, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has detected 13 confirmed cases of Nimbus, with a total of 25 British samples submitted to an international COVID-19 database since the end of March. However, these figures are likely an underestimation due to the significant reduction in COVID-19 testing since the height of the pandemic.
Further UKHSA data indicates that the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 in the UK has reached its highest point this year, currently 97% higher than levels recorded in March.
British scientists are now warning that Nimbus could trigger a surge in COVID-19 cases within weeks. They are urging vulnerable individuals to get vaccinated, as they believe many people’s immunity, built up from previous infections and older jabs, has likely faded, putting them at a higher risk of severe illness.
Common symptoms associated with the N.B.1.8.1 variant include a severe sore throat (described as a “razor-blade sensation”), fatigue, mild cough, fever, muscle aches, and congestion. Importantly, health officials have also warned of unusual gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, heartburn, bloating, constipation, and abdominal pain, being linked to this new strain.
Surge In Cases
Professor Lawrence Young, a virologist at Warwick University, has warned that the ‘Nimbus’ COVID-19 variant (N.B.1.8.1) has the potential to drive a surge in cases in the coming months, particularly as warmer weather encourages more social interaction.
He predicts a spike in infections over the next couple of months, possibly by later this month (June) or in July, though he noted the difficulty in predicting the exact level of this wave. Professor Young emphasized that population immunity, both from vaccination and previous infection, is waning. Crucially, unlike other respiratory viruses like influenza, the COVID-19 virus continues to spread even in hot and humid conditions.
Lab studies suggest that Nimbus can infect human cells more efficiently than previous strains. Furthermore, it may have an increased ability to dodge the immune system, making it more likely for people to become infected.
While there is currently no evidence that Nimbus is more likely to cause severe illness or death compared to previous strains, it’s a critical reminder that infection with the virus can still be deadly for more vulnerable groups. Official figures show that COVID-19 was a factor in the deaths of just over 300 people in England in May.
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Source: Daily Mail
