Washington: Globally, health experts are tracking a new COVID-19 variant called NB.1.8.1—unofficially named “Nimbus.” The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified it as a Variant Under Monitoring (VUM) due to its rapid spread and unique symptoms.
First reported surging in Asia, Nimbus now accounts for over 10% of regional cases and has also been detected in the United States and Canada, according to Salon on June 11.
This variant descends from the Omicron family and appears to be more contagious. One of its standout symptoms is an intensely painful sore throat, which some patients describe as feeling like “razor blades.”
This has raised concerns among medical professionals and the public. Other symptoms mimic the flu, including congestion, fatigue, mild cough, fever, and muscle aches. The Independent reported less common signs, including nausea and diarrhea, on June 10.
Virologists say the virus has undergone recombination—a process that merges genetic material from other strains three times. While recombination is normal in viral evolution, each event raises the risk of increased infectiousness or severity.
Dr. Rajendram Rajnarayanan from the New York Institute of Technology said one mutation may help Nimbus bypass existing immunity from prior infections, potentially increasing transmission.
Despite its spread, WHO maintains that the global risk from NB 1.8.1 remains low. Current vaccines are believed to offer strong protection against severe disease. However, experts urge continued vigilance.
Dr. T. Ryan Gregory, a genome biologist at the University of Guelph in Canada, cautioned that frequent reinfections—even if not severe—could lead to long-term health issues such as COVID-19.
Public health officials recommend maintaining respiratory hygiene, social distancing, and adhering to updated guidelines.
Though no significant spike in hospital visits has occurred, experts warn that the situation could shift. As with previous variants, early detection and prevention remain critical to managing the virus’s spread and impact.
