Importance Score: 85 / 100 🟢
New COVID Variant Detected in the US Amidst Rising International Concerns
A novel COVID-19 variant, linked to a recent increase in hospitalizations in China, has been identified in the United States. This development raises concerns among health officials, who are closely monitoring the spread and potential impact of the emerging strain. The NB.1.8.1 variant has been detected in multiple states, prompting vigilance and continued surveillance efforts.
Detection of NB.1.8.1 Strain
Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that the NB.1.8.1 strain was found among international travelers arriving in several U.S. locations:
- California
- Washington State
- Virginia
- New York City
The detected cases involved individuals who had traveled from nine different countries between April 22 and May 12, including:
- China
- Japan
- Vietnam
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- France
- The Netherlands
- Spain
The variant has also been identified in Hawaii, Rhode Island and Ohio.
Rising Infections Spur Caution
Growing apprehension surrounds this new variant due to its potential for increased transmissibility compared to currently dominant strains. Preliminary data from China indicates a notable rise in severely ill COVID-19 patients, with the proportion jumping from 3.3% to 6.3% within the past month.
Increased Positivity Rates
Furthermore, the percentage of patients in Chinese emergency rooms testing positive for COVID-19 has surged from 7.5% to 16.2%. Similarly, officials in Taiwan have reported a significant surge in COVID-19 emergency room visits, with numbers increasing by 78% in a single week, based on the latest available data ending May 3.
International Hospitalization Increase
Hospitalizations in Hong Kong have reached a 12-month high, with the rise potentially driven by this new variant. In response, health officials are advising the public to wear masks as a precautionary measure.
US Surveillance and Data
Although the variant has been present in the US since late March, current data does not point to a major surge in cases. Recent data shows arriving cases of the strain in the US revealed by the CDC’s airport testing partner Ginkgo Bioworks. Overall positivity rates have decreased by 12% in the most recent data period.
Airport Testing Program
The CDC’s airport surveillance program allows travelers at participating airports to voluntarily provide nasal swab samples and complete a brief survey.
Sample Collection and Analysis
These samples are then analyzed for a range of pathogens, including the COVID-19 virus. The travelers linked to the new variant cases were tested between April 22 and May 12.
Expert Monitoring and Early Research
Experts are actively monitoring the NB.1.8.1 variant, which is currently the predominant strain in China and is becoming increasingly prevalent in other parts of Asia. Taiwan has reported significant COVID-19 related medical visits in the last week, with the NB.1.8.1 variant now the dominant strain in the country.
Increased Cell Binding Affinities
Early research out of China suggests the NB.1.8.1 variant demonstrates enhanced binding capabilities to human cells, potentially contributing to its higher infectiousness.
Updated Guidance and Public Health Measures
In response to the evolving situation, health officials in Hong Kong reiterated the importance of wearing face masks in public settings, especially for individuals at higher risk of infection. The public is also advised to wear masks while using public transit or in crowded areas.
Ongoing Discussions on Vaccine Updates
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) held a meeting on Thursday to deliberate whether to update the current COVID-19 vaccines. The NB.1.8.1 strain was a recurrent topic during these discussions. Current vaccines target the JN.1 variant and related strains, while data indicates that the LP.8.1 variant, a descendant of JN.1, is currently dominant in the United States. Agency officials noted that the XFC strain is the only one with significant growth in the US.