Nimbus Variant: The World Health Organization (WHO) is keeping a careful eye on a recent increase in COVID-19 cases worldwide, which is mostly being caused by a novel variety called Nimbus (NB.1.8.1). This Omicron subvariant was first discovered in January 2025 and is currently quickly expanding over several nations.

U.S. & UK Cases:

The NB.1.8.1 variation has been found in at least 13 US states, including California, New York, New Jersey, and Illinois, according to the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID). With 947 patients admitted in the week ending May 31, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) recorded a 10% increase in hospital admissions in the UK.

Cases in Asia:
There have also been reports of an increase in infections in other Asian countries, particularly China, Singapore, Thailand, and India. Health officials in India were alarmed when the number of deaths connected to COVID-19 surpassed 100 on Monday. Cases of this variety, however, have not yet been documented.

What is Nimbus Variant?

The Nimbus strain, designated NB.1.8.1, is an Omicron descendant. It is one of six variations that the WHO has identified as being closely monitored.

Also Read: JN.1 Covid-19 Variant Symptoms: Not Just a Respiratory Illness Anymore

Symptoms of Nimbus Variant:
The symptoms resemble those of other sub-variants of Omicron. According to the CDC, these consist of:

1. Loss of Smell or Taste
2. Muscle Aches
3. Cough
4. Fever
5. Fatigue
6. Congestion
7. Nausea or Vomiting
8. Headache

An unusual condition known as “razor blade throat” has been recorded by patients. “They don’t need to be going to give you a deadly disease,” Manipal Hospital Dwarka’s Head of Department and Consultant for Infectious Diseases, Dr. Ankita Baidya, told the media. This time, in addition to the typical viral symptoms of fever, cough, and cold, as well as other flu-like symptoms like sore throat and runny nose, we also see a sense of loss of taste and smell. There are also reports of body aches and headaches.

Is Nimbus Dangerous?
According to the WHO’s most recent risk assessment, there is still a “low” danger to global public health from NB.1.8.1. It is anticipated that current vaccinations will continue to protect against both mild and severe illness caused by this variation. With 518 sequences from 22 countries between April 21 and 27, Nimbus accounted for 10.7% of all cases sequenced worldwide. Dr. Baidya continued: “Nimbus has been a fast-spreading strain since January 2025, and this variation has been noticed that though it’s spreading fast among people, it’s not that deadly, as such, causing mild to moderate disease only.”

Another Variant:
In addition to Nimbus, another variation that has raised concerns is XFG, often known as “Stratus.” The WHO has not yet designated it for monitoring.

“Stratus is right now again under scrutiny that it’s also spreading fast, but if we compare the number of cases that we have seen with Nimbus strain after sequencing identified as Nimbus strain, the status cases are comparatively less,” said Dr. Baidya. “But yes, these two variants are currently the most circulating variants, and right now Nimbus is also under monitoring according to WHO, seeing how the pattern of disease and its pattern of spread is being studied simultaneously,” she said.

Also Read: Covid-19 Update: Cases Rise to 6,000 and 6 Deaths in India

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