A new and highly contagious COVID-19 variant originating from China, known as NB.1.8.1, is now spreading across multiple U.S. states — prompting concern from health officials and renewed calls for public health measures.
📍 Where Is NB.1.8.1 Showing Up?
Since its first detection in China in January, the NB.1.8.1 strain has made its way to the United States, with California now reporting a surge in cases. As of May 1, this variant has grown from just 2% to 19% of all COVID-19 cases in the state, according to the California Department of Public Health.
It has also been identified in travelers arriving in:
- Washington
- Virginia
- Hawaii
- Rhode Island
- New York City
This makes California the sixth U.S. state exposed to the variant.
🧬 What Makes NB.1.8.1 Dangerous?
Health experts are raising concerns because:
- It’s more infectious than other currently circulating variants.
- It’s increasing rapidly in prevalence.
- According to the World Health Organization, NB.1.8.1 now accounts for more than half of COVID variants circulating globally.
Though it’s not yet tracked publicly by the CDC, its growth trajectory suggests it may soon become a dominant strain in parts of the U.S.
💉 Do Current Vaccines Still Work?
The good news: Yes, current vaccines are still expected to provide protection, especially against severe illness. NB.1.8.1 is a descendant of earlier strains that the latest JN.1-based vaccines are designed to target.
However, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently proposed removing vaccine access for healthy children and pregnant women, a move that’s sparked debate. As of now, the vaccine remains part of the CDC’s children’s immunization schedule.
😷 Are Mask Mandates Returning?
In response to the rising threat, some California physicians are urging a return to mask mandates, drawing comparisons to measures taken in Hong Kong and other parts of Asia. While no statewide mandate has been reinstated, officials stress the importance of personal vigilance.
📊 The Current U.S. COVID Situation
Despite NB.1.8.1’s emergence, COVID indicators nationwide remain relatively stable:
- Test positivity in California: 2.1% (as of April 19)
- Hospitalizations: 1.3 per 100,000 people — slightly down from 1.6
- National positivity rate dropped slightly from 2.9% (May 17) to 2.7% (May 24)
- Emergency room visits for COVID have decreased by 6.5% in the same period
But keep in mind: Hospitalizations lag behind infections, meaning current numbers may not yet reflect the full impact of the NB.1.8.1 surge.
🌏 Global Perspective: What’s Happening in Asia?
Other countries in Asia are already seeing sharp increases:
- In China, the percentage of severely ill COVID patients has doubled in the past month.
- In Taiwan, COVID ER admissions have spiked 78% in just one week.
- Hong Kong is experiencing its highest COVID hospitalization rate in 12 months, believed to be driven by NB.1.8.1.
🤒 Symptoms of NB.1.8.1
Symptoms remain similar to earlier variants:
- Fever, chills
- Cough, shortness of breath
- Fatigue, muscle aches
- Headache
- Loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat, congestion
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
🔍 Note: Standard COVID tests cannot detect which variant you have — only whether you’re positive or negative.
🛡️ What You Can Do
- Stay updated on local health advisories
- Get vaccinated or boosted, especially if you haven’t had the latest formulation
- Consider masking in crowded or indoor settings
- Monitor symptoms and test early if you feel sick
- Keep an eye on travel advisories if you’re planning to go abroad
Final Thoughts
While NB.1.8.1 hasn’t yet caused widespread disruption in the U.S., its rapid rise and increased infectivity suggest it’s worth watching closely. Public health officials emphasize caution — not panic. With responsible actions and awareness, communities can stay ahead of the curve.
👉 Stay safe, stay informed, and take proactive steps to protect yourself and others.