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A newly identified COVID-19 variant known as NB.1.8.1 is spreading rapidly across multiple parts of the world, raising concerns among global health experts. The variant, which belongs to the Omicron family, was first detected in January 2025 and has since reached countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, China, India, Maldives and Egypt.
According to British news reports, doctors in Ireland have reported that NB.1.8.1 is causing unusual symptoms compared to previous strains. In addition to common signs like sore throat and fatigue, patients are also experiencing gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, heartburn, bloating, and abdominal pain.
Irish health authorities are urging anyone with these symptoms to stay home and avoid contact with others until 48 hours after symptoms resolve, warning that the illness could be mistaken for seasonal colds or stomach bugs.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially labeled it a “Variant Under Monitoring,” meaning it is spreading fast enough to warrant attention, but not enough to be classified as a major threat.
The Global Virus Network, a leading coalition of virologists and medical researchers, says there is no current evidence that this variant causes more severe illness than previous ones. Like earlier Omicron sub-variants, NB.1.8.1 includes genetic changes that help it spread more easily, but vaccines—especially updated booster doses—continue to protect from the most severe effects.
While breakthrough infections can still happen, especially among people who are unvaccinated or have not received a recent booster, vaccinated individuals are reportedly far less likely to suffer serious illness. Health experts stress that the main benefit of COVID-19 vaccination is not avoiding infection altogether, but avoiding severe outcomes like hospitalization, long-term complications, or death.
Global spread
Recent data from the WHO shows that NB.18.1 has been detected in at least 22 countries. Between late April and early May, the variant grew from just 2.5 percent to over 10 percent of global samples. In India, over 4,300 active COVID-19 cases have been reported as of early June, with nearly 300 new infections in a single day. Several states, including Delhi and Kerala, have seen consistent rises in cases.
In Taiwan, hospital visits linked to COVID-19 symptoms rose nearly 80 percent in one week at the end of April. In the US, the variant has been identified in multiple states, first through airport screening and later in community cases, including in Washington, Ohio, and Hawaii. The US continues to report roughly 300 COVID-related deaths each week.
In response to this growing spread, the Global Virus Network is urging eligible individuals to get vaccinated or boosted. Adults over 65, people with chronic health conditions, and pregnant individuals are strongly encouraged to stay up to date on their COVID-19 shots.
Pediatric vaccination is also being emphasized, particularly for children who have not received an updated dose in the past year. Vaccination during pregnancy, experts note, offers significant protection to both mother and baby, lowering the risk of hospitalization for infants and reducing complications related to COVID-19 infection during pregnancy.
Although the rise of NB.1.8.1 has not triggered emergency action, experts say it is a clear reminder of the need for strong global surveillance, continued scientific cooperation, and public awareness. The emergence of new variants is expected, they stress, and should be met with preparation rather than panic. This moment, they say, is not a crisis—but a chance to stay ahead.
Source: Morocco word news
