Terrifying new Covid variant from China is ‘more transmissible’, doctors warn
The new variant, NB.1.8.1, has been detected in international travellers in New York, Washington state, Rhode Island, Virginia, and Hawaii
There are fears masks could come back (Image: Getty)
A perilous new COVID-19 mutation from China, dubbed NB. 1.8.1 strain, is “more transmissible,” warn health experts as it spearheads its way into the United States.
Traces of this emerging threat have been identified in globe-trotting individuals landing in New York, Washington state, Rhode Island, Virginia, and Hawaii since March.
With California now in the mix, the sixth state to encounter this highly transmissible variant, the California Department of Public Health has raised the alarm about its presence.
“In other words, it is more transmissible,” acknowledged Verma.
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Health authorities note that sightings of this particular variant initially cropped up in March and have been on an upward trajectory since the commencement of May.
California has witnessed a startling rise from two percent to 19% since April, officials disclose.
The strain looms as a more virulent adversary compared to existing variants, which portends possible surges in hospital admissions and infection rates.
World Health Organization figures reveal it currently constitutes over half the global strains, as California makes an urgent plea for the reinstatement of masks for safety measures.
Notwithstanding these developments, the California Public Health Department reassures that “currently available vaccines are expected to remain effective,” amidst moves by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to restrict vaccine access for healthy offspring and expectant mothers.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has yet to begin tracking the emerging NB. 1.8.1 variant, while LP.
8.1 continues to dominate the COVID-19 landscape in the US, accounting for a staggering 73% of infections.
Symptoms mirror those of previous variants, with fever, cough, chills, nausea, shortness of breath, congestion, diarrhoea, headache, loss of smell or taste, fatigue, and more on the list.
“Currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective to this variant against symptomatic and severe disease,” WHO has reassured, despite classifying the threat as “low at the global level.”