What's happened
The NB.1.8.1 variant, known as Nimbus, is now prevalent in several countries, including the UK and the US. Symptoms include a distinctive painful sore throat. Experts indicate that while Nimbus spreads more easily, it does not appear to cause more severe illness than previous variants. Current vaccines remain effective against it.
What's behind the headline?
Key Insights
- Transmission Rates: Nimbus is noted for its rapid spread, attributed to mutations that enhance its ability to bind to human cell receptors. This genetic advantage allows it to infect more individuals quickly.
- Symptom Profile: The variant is associated with a unique symptom, described as a 'razor blade throat,' which has been reported by patients. Other common symptoms align with typical COVID-19 presentations, such as fever and cough.
- Public Health Response: Despite the rise in cases, experts emphasize that Nimbus does not lead to more severe illness compared to earlier variants. The WHO considers the public health risk low, and current vaccines are expected to remain effective.
- Vaccine Recommendations: Recent statements from health officials, including Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have raised concerns about vaccine recommendations, particularly for healthy children and pregnant women, which could impact public health strategies moving forward.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that Nimbus accounts for over 10% of global infections and has been linked to gastrointestinal symptoms alongside the characteristic sore throat. AP News echoes this sentiment, stating that while there is an uptick in cases, there is no evidence suggesting increased severity. The South China Morning Post highlights that the WHO has designated Nimbus as a variant under monitoring, reinforcing the notion that the public health risk remains low. Contrastingly, some experts express concern over the potential complacency in public health responses, as noted in The Independent's coverage of rising hospital admissions in the UK. This mixed messaging reflects ongoing debates about the balance between vigilance and normalcy in managing COVID-19.
How we got here
The Nimbus variant was first identified in January 2025 and has since spread to multiple countries, including the US, UK, and parts of Asia. The World Health Organization has classified it as a variant under monitoring due to its increasing prevalence.
Go deeper
- What are the symptoms of the Nimbus variant?
- How effective are current vaccines against Nimbus?
- What should I do if I experience symptoms?
Common question
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What Should You Know About the New COVID Variant Nimbus?
The emergence of the COVID variant Nimbus has raised concerns globally, particularly in the UK and Southeast Asia. As cases rise, many are left wondering about its symptoms, vaccine effectiveness, and the measures being taken to control its spread. Here are some key questions and answers to help you understand what to expect.
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The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. The WHO Constitution, which establishes the agency's governing structure and principles, states its main objective as "the attainment
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Robert Francis Kennedy Jr. (born January 17, 1954), also known by his initials RFK Jr., is an American politician, environmental lawyer, author, conspiracy theorist, and anti-vaccine activist serving since 2025 as the 26th United States secretary of healt
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The COVID-19 pandemic, also known as the coronavirus pandemic, is an ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. It was first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, China.
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The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northÂwestern coast of the European mainland.