New COVID Variant NB.1.8.1 Spreading in the U.S., Experts Warn

San Diego, CA — A new COVID-19 variant, known as NB.1.8.1, is spreading in the United States. First seen in travelers at airports during late March and early April, cases have now emerged in states such as California, Ohio, and Hawaii.

NB.1.8.1 is a subvariant of the Omicron strain. It exhibits symptoms similar to earlier COVID-19 variants, including cough, sore throat, fever, fatigue, and some reports of brain fog or blurred vision. Experts stress that while this variant is highly contagious, it doesn’t appear to cause more severe illnesses than previous versions.

As this new variant circulates, the Trump administration has implemented new rules that could make it more difficult for many people to obtain COVID-19 booster shots. Healthy children and pregnant women will no longer be routinely recommended for vaccination. Instead, booster shots will primarily be available to seniors and individuals with serious health conditions.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has emphasized that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will not recommend routine COVID vaccinations for healthy kids and pregnant women, even though pregnancy is a known high-risk factor for severe complications.

With fewer than 20 reported cases of NB.1.8.1 so far, health officials are urging the public to stay vigilant. Maintaining good hygiene practices, such as thorough handwashing and wearing masks in crowded spaces, is still crucial.

Experts also warn that the current vaccines should offer protection against the NB.1.8.1 variant, but accessibility to boosters may be a challenge for some. Meanwhile, health officials are advising everyone to stay informed about their vaccination status and practice caution in crowded environments.