Reader TTS

New Covid variant NB.1.8.1 spreading in UK is 'more transmissible'The new strain is one of six SARS-CoV-2 variants currently being monitored globallyCommentsNewsBethan Finighan and Gary

Stewart Audience Editor10:43, 05 Jun 2025Covid vaccines are expected to be effective against the new variant(Image: Getty Images) A new Covid-19 strain, NB. 1.8.1, is on the World Health

Organisation's (WHO) radar after being listed as "under monitoring" since May 23 and making its mark in the UK. First identified on January 21, this newcomer to the virus scene has surged

from 2.5% of global cases to an alarming 10.7% by late April 2025, according to WHO data.

The NB. 1.8.1 variant has been picked up in no fewer than 22 countries worldwide, with China, Australia, Thailand, the US, and the UK all reporting infections, reports the MEN.

‌ Specifically, cases have cropped up in Northern Ireland and Wales, leading experts to speculate that it might outpace other strains and become the prevailing variant next winter. Though

current evidence suggests the variant isn't linked to more severe symptoms, some areas are experiencing upticks in case numbers and related hospitalisations.

‌ The WHO has expressed concern over the variant's mutations, notably the spike mutation at position 445, which may bolster its transmission due to increased binding affinity to the hACE2

receptor.

The WHO said: "Despite a concurrent increase in cases and hospitalisations in some countries where NB.1.8.1 is widespread, current data does not indicate that this variant leads to more

severe illness than other variants in circulation."

Adding to the surveillance insights, WHO also observed: "Spike mutations at position 445 have been shown to enhance binding affinity to hACE2, which could increase the variant's

transmissibility.

Article continues below "In other words, it is more transmissible."

The WHO has stated in its recent report: "WHO recommends that countries remain vigilant, adapt to evolving epidemiological trends, and leverage COVID-19 management strategies to strengthen

systems for all respiratory disease threats.

"Member States should continue offering COVID-19 vaccines in line with WHO recommendations. Based on the current risk assessment of this event, WHO advises against imposing travel or trade

restrictions."

‌ According to the organisation, Covid vaccines are still expected to be effective against this new variant and help to protect against severe disease.

Wondering about the origins of Covid NB. 1.8.1? This new strain was identified by scientists keeping an eye on case numbers and the Covid strains making rounds.

"NB.1.8.1 is one of the most recent SARS-CoV-2 variants in circulation," explains Francois Balloux, a Professor of Computational Systems Biology and Director at UCL Genetics Institute. "It

likely originated through a recombination event between a previous Omicron recombinant called XDE and Omicron JN.1, the direct descendant of BA.2.86 (aka Pirola)," Prof Balloux shared with

the Manchester Evening News.

‌ 'Recombination' refers to the process where a new variant emerges from the genetic blending of two or more previous variants. In this scenario, the novel variant seems to have come from a

combination of the Covid XEC variant and JN.1 variant.

Prof Balloux added: "It may be here to stay and might even replace the current dominant strains next winter. This being said, it is most unlikely to cause surges of severe [illness] such as

those we witnessed during the pandemic."

Symptoms of Covid NB. 1.8.1 are thought to be similar to previous variants of the virus. According to the NHS, typical symptoms of Covid-19 include:.

‌ A high temperature or shivering (chills).

A persistent and new cough.

Changes in sense of taste or smell.

‌ Breathing difficulties.

Fatigue or extreme tiredness.

Headache or aching muscles.

Article continues below A sore throat, congestion or a runny nose.

Loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting.

Diarrhoea.