A newly emerging COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, is fuelling infections in parts of the world, with cases reported in 22 countries, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). As of 18 May, 518 confirmed cases of the variant had been identified through laboratory testing.
The sub-variant, classified under the Omicron lineage, currently accounts for around 10% of global infections, says Dr. Mvuyisi Mzukwa, Chairperson of the South African Medical Association.
“It spreads more easily and is becoming dominant in places like China, Hong Kong, the United States, Australia, and Thailand,” Mzukwa noted.
Despite its growing global footprint, there have been no reported cases of NB.1.8.1 in Africa so far. The WHO has stated that while infections and hospitalisations are increasing in some regions, there is no current evidence to suggest the variant causes more severe illness than previous strains.
In India, however, health authorities have recorded over 4,000 active cases linked to NB.1.8.1, along with five deaths in the past 24 hours — prompting concern over the strain’s rapid spread.
Dr. Mzukwa says that in South Africa, COVID-19 remains in its endemic phase, with very low levels of community transmission. He emphasised that existing vaccines are still effective at preventing severe illness.
“If you have underlying health conditions such as kidney failure, and it’s been more than two years since your last vaccination, it may be advisable to receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine,” he added.
Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely, urging the public to remain vigilant while reassuring that current measures and vaccine protocols remain effective against the new sub-variant.