COVID-19 In US: Deadly New COVID Variant NB.1.8.1 Spreads From China to US — Should You Be Worried About the Next Surge?

A new and highly contagious strain of COVID-19, known as NB.1.8.1, has been detected in the United States, including in New York City, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Before appearing in the U.S., this variant was responsible for a surge in hospitalizations across China.

According to the reports, the new variant was first found in the US in late March and early April. It was detected among international travellers who arrived at airports in California, Washington State, Virginia and New York City. Some cases were also found in Ohio, Rhode Island and Hawaii.

COVID-19 Returns: Is The Virus Making A Comeback

After a brief pause, the deadliest virus in modern history—SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19—is making a comeback. In recent weeks, a fresh wave of infections, primarily driven by the highly contagious JN.1 strain and its sub-variants, has triggered alarm across several Asian countries. Significant surges have been observed in regions such as Hong Kong and Singapore. This week, India also recorded over 1,000 new cases, with the highest concentration reported in the southern states.

Initially, the COVID resurgence appeared to be confined to Asia. However, the situation has now evolved, with the virus crossing borders and spreading beyond the continent—signaling a potential global uptick in cases.

According to the reports, in the United States, the first cases of this new wave (triggered by the new variants of the COVID-19 virus) – were detected between late March and early April through an airport screening program for incoming international travellers.

According to the media sources, a few sequences of NB.1.8.1—a newly identified subvariant—have now been reported in the U.S. This variant is a sub-lineage of Omicron, the strain responsible for recent waves of infections worldwide. NB.1.8.1 is being closely monitored due to its potential for rapid transmission and its link to rising hospitalizations in countries like China.

The World Health Organization has not termed it as a “variant of concern,” but health officials are tracking the virus because of its ability to transmit quickly and the grave impact it creates on public health.

What Are The Symptoms of The Latest Variant?

While the virus strains seems mild and not very contagious, experts have urged everyone to be aware of the signs and symptoms associated with the strain. Here are a few one should never ignore:

1. Mild cough– Cough is another major symptom of the infection, which might cause discomfort in the chest.
2. Fever– A rise in body temperatures is noted in the patients infected with the variant.  The new variant hasn’t been showing any strikingly different symptoms that become its whole soul identity, the symptoms are ambiguous and often overlap boundaries with symptoms of a common cold. The symptoms include-
3. Muscle aches– having stiff muscles or even a sort of tightness that feels like putting extra strain on them while doing the quotidian tasks.
4. Nasal congestion– feeling a blockage in the nasal passage and having difficulty breathing from the nose are some indications.
5. Low-grade hyperthermia– Low-grade hyperthermia, which can be a condition of low-grade fever, is a slight increase in body temperature, typically between UU.1°F to 100.4°F (37.3°C to 38.0°C). It’s generally not a cause for instant concern, but it can indicate that the body’s infected by the virus and the immune system is working to fight off the virus infection.
6. Headaches– it is a pretty common indicator, a patient may suffer from heaviness in the head or restlessness can be clear indicators often leading to distraction and loss of focus.

Besides these symptoms there are other visible symptoms too like feeling lethargic or fatigued, developing a sore throat, nausea and even several gastrointestinal issues.

How Concerning Is The New COVID Variant?

The World Health Organisation has coined the variant to help’Variant of Interest’ and not a ‘Variant of Concern’ that indicates the situation of the variant is below the radar of concern, however, health officials around the globe have been asking the public to take necessary precautions and follow the expected protocols like putting a hold on travel and avoiding mass gatherings as with any leniency observed, the intensity of the virus can escalate.

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