New 'Nimbus' Covid Variant Drives Global Spread, Accounts for 37% US Cases

The newly emerged Covid-19 variant NB.1.8.1, nicknamed "Nimbus," is rapidly spreading across multiple continents including Asia, Europe, North America, and Canada, accounting for a significant proportion of new infections in several regions. This variant is associated with distinctive and painful symptoms such as an intense sore throat described as a "razor blade sensation," along with typical flu-like symptoms and occasional digestive issues, though it does not appear to cause more severe illness than previous strains. Nimbus has multiple mutations, including in its spike protein, which may enhance its transmissibility and ability to evade immunity from prior infections and vaccinations, raising concerns about a potential summer surge. The World Health Organization has classified NB.1.8.1 as a "variant under monitoring" but currently assesses the global risk as low, affirming that existing vaccines remain effective at preventing severe outcomes. Experts caution that despite public fatigue with the pandemic, vigilance is necessary as the variant's spread continues amid shifts in U.S. vaccination policies under the Trump administration. Ongoing studies are monitoring the variant's impact, with no current evidence linking Nimbus to increased hospitalizations or more severe disease.