A new COVID-19 variant is spreading, leading to a resurgence of infections in some parts of the world. The variant, called NB.1.8.1, has helped the virus spread in China, as well as more broadly in Southeast Asia, the western Pacific and the eastern Mediterranean regions. NB.1.8.1 has since been detected in multiple areas of the United States. The CDC says that they have not recorded enough cases of the new variant for it to show up on the CDC’s variant estimates dashboard.
Genetic analysis of the virus suggests that it may be more contagious than previous versions of COVID, allowing it to spread more easily. NB.1.8.1 does not appear to cause more severe infection than previous variants. The World Health Organization believes that latest booster formula remains protective despite the the virus’s mutation.
Full Story: The Associated Press, CBS News
