A new Kuwid The World Health Organization (WHO) has been monitoring variants because their emergence has led to an increase in infections in multiple parts of the world. Originally identified at the end of January, the variant, known as NB.1.8.1 but informally called “Nimbus”, is a descendant of the Covid Sublineages Omicron family, becoming increasingly common throughout the spring in Europe, America and the Western Pacific.
Mutations in the virus may increase its infectivity and allow it to escape certain antibodies. Nevertheless, “The additional public health risk posed by NB.1.8.1 is assessed as low at the global level given the available evidence,” WHO wrote in its latest risk assessment.
Like other previous variants, Nimbus has specific mutations to its peak protein. These proteins cover the surface of the virus, which is the propagate that the protein enters the cell. Nimbus’ spike protein modification may increase its transmission capacity and partially reduce the neutralization efficacy of certain antibodies produced by previous infections, both of which will help its spread.
However, the WHO said there is no evidence that this mutation can lead to more severe disease than other strains currently circulating. No increase in hospitalization or death related to its occurrence was observed.
Symptoms associated with NB.1.8.1 are similar to those caused by other SARS-COV-2 variants: sore throat, cough, fatigue, fever, muscle aches, loss of taste or odor, respiratory distress, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
WHO experts explained that while this variant may partially evade some antibody responses, this “immune escape” is comparable to the antibodies observed in other Omicron Sublineages. This suggests that the mutations present in NB.1.8.1 do not increase the resistance of antiviral drugs such as Nirmatrelvir, and that the current vaccine continues to effectively prevent serious diseases when infected with this version of the virus.
However, for those most susceptible to co-certifications (such as older people, immune-depressed people or chronic patients), nimbus represents a new health threat, and these groups should remain up to date with enhanced vaccination to ensure they are protected by countermeasures.
This story originally appeared in wired español and has been translated into Spanish.
