By The Sampadak Express
The variant, NB.1.8.1 or ‘Nimbus’, is spreading in parts of Asia and the Pacific, with cases reported in the U.S. through airport screenings.
A new COVID-19 variant, nicknamed “Nimbus” and officially known as NB.1.8.1, is making headlines for triggering an unusually painful symptom — a sore throat so severe, it’s being compared to the sensation of swallowing razor blades.
Health professionals in countries like the United Kingdom and India have reported this symptom in patients infected with the variant, sparking concern among the public. Despite the dramatic nickname, experts emphasize there is no evidence yet that Nimbus causes more severe illness than earlier variants.
Where Is the Nimbus Variant Spreading?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), recent spikes in COVID-19 cases have been observed in the eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and western Pacific regions. As of mid-May, the Nimbus variant accounted for nearly 11% of the globally sequenced COVID-19 samples.
In the United States, airport screenings have detected the variant in travelers arriving from affected regions to states including California, Washington, Virginia, and New York.
Is Nimbus More Dangerous Than Other Variants?
So far, there’s no indication that the Nimbus variant leads to more severe illness than previous strains. While some countries in the western Pacific have seen increases in hospitalizations, WHO officials have not linked these rises to increased severity of symptoms.
Typical COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, and loss of taste or smell remain consistent. However, the severe sore throat appears to be a distinct symptom reported more frequently with this variant.
Are Vaccines Still Effective?
Yes. The WHO currently classifies Nimbus as a “variant under monitoring,” and states that the overall public health risk remains low. Existing COVID-19 vaccines are expected to offer protection against this strain, according to current assessments.
Controversy Over Updated Vaccine Guidance
In a related development, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently announced that COVID-19 vaccinations are no longer recommended for healthy children and pregnant women. This policy shift has sparked criticism from public health experts, who continue to advocate vaccination as a vital tool in preventing serious illness and curbing the virus’s spread.
