New COVID Variant NB.1.8.1 Detected in U.S. Amid Surge in China

The CDC has detected cases of the new COVID variant NB.1.8.1 in international travelers across various U.S. airports, linked to a surge in China. Health authorities are monitoring this variant closely, with additional cases reported inland. The FDA is considering vaccine updates to enhance protection against both NB.1.8.1 and other prevalent variants.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently identified cases of a new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, which has been associated with an alarming surge in cases in China. Multiple instances of this variant were detected in international travelers arriving at various airports across the United States, such as those in California, Virginia, Washington, and the New York City area, as indicated by data from CDC’s partner, Ginkgo Bioworks.

The sequencing results, available on the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID) database, revealed that infected travelers came from diverse countries, including Japan, South Korea, and France, among others. Testing for these travelers occurred between April 22 and May 12. Furthermore, additional cases of the variant have emerged in states like Ohio, Rhode Island, and Hawaii, separate from the airport-linked instances.

The focus has been on NB.1.8.1, which has taken hold in China and is becoming increasingly prominent in Asia. Hong Kong is experiencing significant increases in COVID-19 rates, reaching levels unseen for at least a year. Health authorities there noted a rise in emergency room visits attributed to COVID-19, prompting officials to advise the public on mask-wearing in crowded settings.

Similarly, Taiwan has reported an uptick in severe cases, emergency visits, and fatalities, leading to measures such as increased stockpiling of vaccines and antiviral treatments. Preliminary analysis from researchers in China indicates that, while this variant does not evade the immune response more effectively than other variants, it does exhibit increased transmissibility due to its binding capabilities with human cells.

During a recent meeting of the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) outside vaccine advisers, NB.1.8.1 was a central topic as they discussed potential updates for COVID-19 vaccines tailored for the upcoming fall and winter seasons. The current vaccines target the JN.1 variant, but data presented suggested that adapting to a more recent subvariant, LP.8.1, could enhance protection not just against it but also against NB.1.8.1.

Darin Edwards, Moderna’s COVID-19 program lead, emphasized the importance of updating vaccines to match current variants, stating, “The LP.8.1 vaccine has the highest titers against LP.8.1, which is dominant in the U.S. and many other regions and cross-neutralizes other currently circulating variants, including NB.1.8.1, a dominant JN.1 subvariant in many Asian countries.”

The advisory committee unanimously supported the idea of updating vaccines to include a JN.1 variant but diverged on specifics. Some supported using last season’s formulation, while others preferred a focus on LP.8.1. Jerry Weir, FDA’s viral products division director, highlighted the unpredictability in how variants evolve, noting that future dominant strains will likely emerge from those currently circulating.

As of now, only one variant, XFC, is significantly increasing in the U.S. However, officials cautioned that the nature of viral evolution remains uncertain. Remarkably, while trends do illustrate two seasonal surges per year, the last winter saw only slight changes without major strain replacements. Natalie Thornburg from the CDC remarked, “I do think after five years now, we are seeing very distinct patterns that are falling into a more predictable pattern.”

Currently, COVID-19 rates in the U.S. have decreased significantly, measured through various indicators such as emergency room visits and wastewater testing. The situation appears manageable for now, indicating a possible stabilization in the pandemic trajectory.

In summary, the CDC’s detection of the NB.1.8.1 variant highlights ongoing global challenges in managing COVID-19, as cases surge in parts of Asia. Public health authorities are monitoring the situation closely, with varying responses from different regions. The upcoming updates to COVID-19 vaccines will be crucial for maintaining community protection as new variants emerge. Continued vigilance and adaptive strategies will remain essential as the virus continues to evolve.

Original Source: www.cbsnews.com

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