New COVID variant NB.1.8.1 behind surge in cases recently: Symptoms associated with it

As of May 2025, a new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, is making headlines globally. Emerging as a subvariant of the Omicron lineage JN.1, NB.1.8.1 has been linked to recent surges in cases across Asia and has now been detected in the United States. While health authorities are closely monitoring its spread, it's essential to understand what this variant entails and how it might affect us.
NB.1.8.1 is a descendant of the JN.1 variant, itself a sublineage of Omicron. First identified in China, NB.1.8.1 has rapidly become the dominant strain there, leading to significant increases in COVID-19 cases. Its presence has also been confirmed in other parts of Asia, including Singapore and Hong Kong, and more recently, in the United States through airport screening programs.

"NB.1.8.1 has been designated a SARS-CoV-2 variant under monitoring (VUM) with increasing proportions globally," the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said in a press release. "NB.1.8.1 is a SARS-CoV-2 variant derived from the recombinant variant XDV.1.5.1, with the earliest sample collected on 22 January 2025. NB.1.8.1 is one of six VUMs tracked by the WHO and was designated as a VUM on 23 May 2025," it added.

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The symptoms of NB.1.8.1 are largely consistent with those of previous Omicron variants. Commonly reported symptoms include:

Sore throat

Fatigue

Mild cough

Fever

Muscle aches

Congestion

Reportedly, in some cases, individuals have experienced persistent low-grade hyperthermia, a condition where the body temperature is elevated beyond normal due to failed thermoregulation, differing from typical fever. Other reported symptoms include headaches, nausea, loss of appetite, and gastrointestinal issues.


NB.1.8.1 has demonstrated a higher transmissibility rate compared to some earlier variants. Preliminary data suggest that this variant has an enhanced ability to bind to human cells, potentially leading to increased infection rates. The variant has been detected in travelers arriving at major U.S. airports, including those in California, Washington, Virginia, and New York. Its spread underscores the importance of continued surveillance and public health measures.

"Despite a concurrent increase in cases and hospitalizations in some countries where NB.1.8.1 is widespread, current data do not indicate that this variant leads to more severe illness than other variants in circulation," the WHO has said.

India is currently experiencing a mild rise in COVID-19 cases, primarily driven by the emergence of new Omicron subvariants - JN.1, says Dr. Divya K S, Consultant Infectious Disease specialist at Apollo Hospitals, Sheshadripuram.
"As an infection becomes endemic it is common to see periodic surges. And the numbers so far is not very alarming. The most common factors such as waning immunity, decreased vaccination rates, increased international travel, and the emergence of new variants contribute to these fluctuations. However, most infections so far remain mild, presenting symptoms such as fever, sore throat, fatigue.There is no immediate cause for alarm but better to be vigilant especially with vulnerable populations such as elderly people, immunocompromised hosts and those having chronic conditions like chronic kidney diseases, Diabetes Mellitus, COPD etc.," Dr. Divya advises.

To protect yourself and others:
Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations and booster shots.Wear masks in crowded or enclosed spaces.Practice good hand hygiene.Monitor for symptoms and get tested if you feel unwell.Follow local health guidelines and advisories.

Staying vigilant and not panicking is the key

Do: Wash your hands regularly with soap for 20 seconds, wear a mask in crowded places, and keep physical distance from others. Get vaccinated and stay home if you feel sick. Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing and clean frequently touched surfaces.

Don’t: Don’t ignore symptoms or attend gatherings if you’re unwell. Avoid close contact with sick people and don’t touch your face with unwashed hands. Don’t share personal items like masks or bottles. Stay informed with trusted sources and follow local health guidelines to keep yourself and others safe.