Health experts sound alarm over terrifying new Covid variant found in US. Is it more dangerous?

A new, highly contagious strain of Covid-19 that has driven a wave of hospitalisations across China has now surfaced in the United States and has sparked concerns among federal health officials. The variant, identified as NB.1.81, was first detected in the United States between late March and early April among international travelers arriving at airports in California, Washington State, Virginia, and New York. Since then, additional cases have been reported in Ohio, Rhode Island, and Hawaii, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The new Covid-19 mutation from China is "more transmissible," health experts have warned, as it makes its way into the United States. The development comes when US Health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has officially removed the Covid vaccine recommendations for healthy children and pregnant women.

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Big update on new Covid strain found in US

According to the Irish Star, the California Department of Public Health is sounding the alarm over the presence of this highly contagious variant. "In other words, it is more transmissible," stated Verma. Meanwhile, China has claimed that Covid-19 did not emerge in Wuhan and originated in the US.

Health officials have noted that this particular strain first emerged in March and has seen a sharp increase since early May, according to The Express.

In California, its prevalence has jumped from just 2% in April to 19%, based on official data.

This variant is considered more dangerous than earlier ones, with the potential to drive up infection rates and hospitalizations.

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World Health Organization data shows that the strain now makes up over half of global cases, prompting California officials to push for the reinstatement of mask mandates.

Still, the California Department of Public Health maintains that “currently available vaccines are expected to remain effective.” Meanwhile, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is facing criticism for attempting to restrict vaccine access for healthy children and pregnant women.

What are its symptoms?

China is witnessing a surge in respiratory illnesses, with figures doubling from 3.3 to 6.3 percent, and emergency room patients testing positive for COVID have seen a significant increase.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not yet begun tracking the emerging NB.1.8.1 COVID-19 variant. Meanwhile, LP.8.1 remains the dominant strain in the United States, accounting for approximately 73% of current cases. Its symptoms closely mirror those of earlier variants, including fever, cough, chills, nausea, shortness of breath, congestion, diarrhea, headache, fatigue, and loss of taste or smell.

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The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified NB.1.8.1 as a “variant under monitoring” due to its mutations and international spread. Although it has been identified in 22 countries, no travel restrictions have been imposed. The WHO maintains that existing COVID-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective in preventing both symptomatic and severe illness caused by this variant, and currently assesses the global risk as low.