Here’s What We Know About NB.1.8.1, a New COVID Variant

Besides being letters of the ancient Greek alphabet, what do Alpha, Beta, Delta and Omicron have in common? They’re the names that the World Health Organization has assigned to major variants of the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that causes COVID-19.  

The latest variant of concern is actually a descendant of Omicron: NB.1.8.1. And it has been creating a major spike in cases in China. Recently, a few cases have appeared on our shores as well.  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been administering COVID tests in random travelers arriving at several U.S. airports. NB.1.8.1 cases have been identified in people arriving from China, France, Japan, the Netherlands, Spain, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand. 

Thus far, a very small number of cases have been reported in California, Hawaii, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, Virginia and Washington. 

How effective is the latest COVID-19 vaccine against the new variant? 

The latest COVID vaccine booster, along with any immunity you may have acquired from recent infections, should provide some protection against serious disease from the latest variant. That’s because NB.1.8.1 belongs to the Omicron family.  

Vaccine authorities are also discussing whether to update the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines in time for fall, the start of the respiratory disease season.  

What are the symptoms of NB.1.8.1? 

The new Omicron subvariant doesn’t appear to be especially virulent, meaning it hasn’t been found to cause severe disease. Like other COVID-19 strains, it may cause: 

However, with a few genetic changes to earlier versions of the virus, it is able to infect our cells more efficiently than ever, allowing it to spread more easily among humans. 

What’s the best way to protect ourselves? 

Vaccination remains the best way to avoid serious illness—especially in older adults and people with weakened immune systems, including those who take immunosuppressive medications. 

But getting vaccinated may become more challenging for some other groups, per a recent government decision. These include healthy children and pregnant women.  

Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) now says it won’t recommend the shot for healthy adults until vaccine manufacturers conduct new clinical trials to determine its safety and efficacy in that large population. 

Is NB.1.8.1 considered a public health threat at this point? 

So far, the Omicron offshoot is not considered a threat in the U.S., for two reasons: It is extremely rare in this country, with only a few cases thus far; and it doesn’t appear to cause severe disease. 

Good news and bad news 

Both the New York City and State Departments of Health have been monitoring the new variant, along with other strains of potential concern. That’s the good news. 

The bad news includes the following: 

We’ll keep you informed about all new developments on the COVID front. Learn more about the latest COVID vaccine guidance here.