Doctors are on high alert after the discovery of the NB.1.8.1 variant of COVID in the UK, a strain that has raised concerns due to its rapid spread and its potential to evade immunity from previous infections or vaccinations.
While it shares many symptoms with other COVID variants, experts have noted new and troubling signs, including gastrointestinal issues like heartburn and diarrhoea. This variant, now prevalent in countries like Hong Kong and China, has caught the attention of health officials worldwide.
A Surge in Cases and a Shifting Threat
The NB.1.8.1 strain, officially classified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a “variant under monitoring“, is showing signs of increasing transmissibility. According to WHO data, the strain has seen a notable rise in global sequences, jumping from 2.5% to 10.7% in just a month.
It has already overtaken other strains in regions such as Hong Kong and China, and has begun spreading to popular travel destinations like the US, Australia, Egypt, Thailand, and the Maldives.
Experts believe this increase in transmission may be linked to multiple mutations in the variant, which could make it more effective at infecting cells. These mutations may also help it partially evade the immune protection provided by previous infections or vaccinations.
However, the WHO has not yet observed any evidence suggesting that this variant causes more severe illness compared to others. Despite the rising numbers, the symptoms of NB.1.8.1 largely align with those of other Omicron subvariants.
A Distinct Set of Symptoms
Doctors have been monitoring the distinct symptoms that have emerged with this new strain. While many symptoms are similar to those of previous COVID strains, NB.1.8.1 has presented a number of gastrointestinal issues that set it apart.
Patients have reported feeling heartburn, nausea, and even abdominal bloating. These symptoms, which are typically less common in earlier COVID strains, are causing alarm, particularly as they can complicate diagnosis and treatment.
In addition to gastrointestinal symptoms, the variant still causes the familiar COVID signs such as a persistent cough, fever, and shortness of breath. Loss of taste or smell and sore throat remain consistent with the broader family of Omicron subvariants.
According to experts, it is essential for healthcare providers to remain vigilant and for the public to continue monitoring their health, especially as this new variant spreads rapidly. NB.1.8.1 continues to raise important questions about the evolution of the virus and its ability to outpace immunity.
