New Covid variant spreading from Asia now surges across US — what is it and where is it spreading
Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent
Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.
New Covid variant may spread more easily than others
- A new Omicron subvariant, NB.1.8.1, is spreading in the U.S. after a surge in China, though LP.8.1 remains the dominant strain nationally.
- The World Health Organization has designated NB.1.8.1 a variant under monitoring, noting its spread to 22 countries, including the U.S., and a rise in prevalence from late March to April.
- The WHO states that current data suggests NB.1.8.1 does not cause more severe illness than other variants, but it may spread more easily due to its ability to bind more tightly to human cells.
- Experts believe current Covid vaccines should remain effective against NB.1.8.1 in preventing severe disease.
- The Trump administration's plan to limit access to Covid vaccines is raising concerns among experts about potential impacts on vaccine availability and insurance coverage.