Another threat emerges as the new NB.1.81 COVID-19 variant makes its way into the United States from China amidst ongoing concerns about vaccine evasion and rapid transmission.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has detected multiple cases of the new COVID-19 variant NB.1.81 in the United States.
Initially observed in international travelers from countries like China, Japan, and South Korea, this variant caused massive surges in hospitalizations in China and Hong Kong.
Despite its presence, fewer than 20 cases have been confirmed in the U.S., positioning it below the threshold for CDC’s Data Tracker inclusion.
This highly contagious strain, first detected in the U.S. in late March and early April, draws attention due to its rapid spread across several states such as California, Washington, Virginia, and New York City.
Reports indicate cases now reaching Ohio, Rhode Island, and Hawaii.
The variant’s spread closely mirrors its path in China, where it prompted escalated healthcare responses.
Recent findings reveal that while emergency room visits for influenza, COVID-19, and RSV in the U.S. are notably low, the overall presence of COVID-19, measured through wastewater testing, confirms low levels in most states.
South Dakota, however, exhibits a different trend, raising local concerns.
The CDC, diligently monitoring these developments, remains connected with international health entities to track the variant’s trajectory.
“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has detected multiple cases of the new COVID-19 variant NB.1.8.1, which has been linked to a spike in cases in China,” declared a CDC spokesperson, cited by Fox News.
Experts suggest the NB.1.81 variant might spread more easily due to a possible growth advantage.
Symptoms strikingly resemble previous strains, with coughing, sore throat, fever, and fatigue prevalent among those affected.
As vaccine efficacy against this variant remains under scrutiny, health officials in Taiwan have already stockpiled vaccines and treatments in response to increased emergency room visits and fatalities.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong authorities recommend that high-risk individuals don surgical masks, highlighting the seriousness of rising cases.
In the U.S., former federal COVID response coordinators maintain faith in population immunity’s capacity to thwart a significant outbreak.
Nevertheless, discussions continue regarding adapting vaccines to address emerging challenges posed by variants like NB.1.81.
“Thankfully, we have so much population immunity that it is unlikely, though not impossible, that any new variant is going to cause any massive surge of serious illness,” said a former federal COVID response coordinator, cited by Newsbreak.
A new COVID strain from China, NB.1.8.1, is spreading in the U.S., including NYC, per the CDC. First detected in late March among international travelers, the variant has already caused surging hospitalizations across Asia.
China saw ER visits for COVID double in a month, with… pic.twitter.com/QgrMeHuThU
— Wall St Engine (@wallstengine) May 27, 2025
