New COVID Strain: Holiday Destinations & Symptoms
- The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued an alert regarding a new coronavirus strain, NB.1.8.1, wich is quickly spreading across multiple countries.
- The NB.1.8.1 strain is already dominant in Hong Kong and China.
- Lara Herrero, Associate Professor and Research Leader in Virology and Infectious Disease at Griffith University, suggests the new COVID variant may infect cells more efficiently due to multiple...
A new COVID variant, NB.1.8.1, is rapidly spreading globally and the WHO has issued a warning, designating it a “variant under monitoring.” This aggressive strain is already dominant in hong Kong and China, with increasing detection in Eastern Mediterranean and Southeast Asia. Discover if your holiday destination is affected. The primary symptoms are similar to othre Omicron subvariants: sore throat, fatigue, and fever. multiple mutations may enable this variant to infect cells more efficiently, potentially spreading with greater ease, according to experts. With increased cases in several countries, staying informed is key.The WHO advises vigilance, strengthening respiratory disease monitoring, and continued vaccinations. Find out more about the latest developments at News Directory 3. Discover what’s next for travel and health guidelines.
New COVID Variant NB.1.8.1 Spreading Rapidly, WHO Warns
Updated May 29, 2025
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued an alert regarding a new coronavirus strain, NB.1.8.1, wich is
quickly spreading across multiple countries. The WHO has designated the new COVID variant as a “variant under
monitoring,” noting it now accounts for over 10% of infections globally.
The NB.1.8.1 strain is already dominant in Hong Kong and China. By late April 2025, it comprised roughly 10.7%
of all submitted sequences, a significant jump from just 2.5% four weeks prior. The new strain has also been
detected in Australia, the U.S.,and potentially the U.K.
Lara Herrero, Associate Professor and Research Leader in Virology and Infectious Disease at Griffith
University, suggests the new COVID variant may infect cells more efficiently due to multiple mutations.
According to Herrero, the NB.1.8.1 strain may spread more easily and partially evade immunity from prior
infections or vaccinations.
The WHO reports recent increases of the new COVID variant in Cambodia, Singapore, and the Eastern
Mediterranean, including Egypt, as well as Southeast Asia, including Thailand and the Maldives.
Symptoms of NB.1.8.1 are similar to other Omicron subvariants, including sore throat, fatigue, fever, mild
cough, muscle aches, and nasal congestion. Gastrointestinal symptoms may also occur, Herrero noted.
“It’s possible a person infected with NB.1.8.1 may be more likely to pass the virus on to someone else,
compared to earlier variants… The evidence so far suggests NB.1.8.1 may spread more easily and may
partially sidestep immunity from prior infections or vaccination.”Lara Herrero,Associate Professor and Research Leader in Virology and infectious Disease,Griffith
University
what’s next
The WHO advises countries to remain vigilant and adapt to evolving trends,strengthening systems for all
respiratory disease threats.The organization recommends continued COVID-19 vaccinations and advises against
travel or trade restrictions based on the current risk assessment.