Covid-19: what we know about the new NB.1.8.1 variant that the WHO is closely monitoring

A new variant of Covid-19, NB.1.8.1, is shaking global health authorities as it spreads rapidly across the globe.

Spread of the NB.1.8.1 variant in Asia (1/12)
The NB.1.8.1 variant of Covid-19 appeared in China and spread rapidly across Asia, reaching regions such as Hong Kong where a significant rebound in the epidemic was observed. This sub-lineage of the Omicron variant, known for its high contagiousness, was classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a ‘variant under surveillance’ on May 23. This classification, created in 2020, is reserved for variants presenting an increased risk to public health.

Significant mutations of the NB.1.8.1 variant (2/12)
Professor Yves Buisson, a member of the National Academy of Medicine, pointed out that NB.1.8.1 has ‘three fairly significant mutations’ compared to its predecessor, which could make it the majority in the future. For his part, virologist Bruno Lina told BFMTV that the specificities of this variant could make it dominant. In Asia, particularly in Taiwan, the National Center for Diseases reported a 66% increase in consultations related to Covid-19 in one week.