The World Health Organization, WHO, has issued an alert about a newly identified COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, which is rapidly spreading across multiple countries and raising concerns over its potential to evade immunity.
First detected in late January 2025, the NB.1.8.1 variant has now been officially classified as a “variant under monitoring” by the global health body.
According to WHO, NB.1.8.1 is a direct descendant of the Omicron JN.1 lineage, which has been responsible for several recent surges in COVID-19 cases worldwide.
The agency revealed that NB.1.8.1 has shown a notable increase in prevalence over a short time, accounting for 10.7% of globally sequenced COVID-19 cases between April 21 and 27—up sharply from just 2.5% a month earlier.
The variant has spread most rapidly across the Eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and Western Pacific regions. While cases in Africa remain minimal, the risk of importation is significant, prompting Nigerian health authorities to step up surveillance and preparedness efforts.
In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed isolated NB.1.8.1 cases among international travelers arriving at airports in California, Virginia, Washington, and New York.
While no cases have been recorded in Nigeria as of now, health experts warn that global travel increases the likelihood of the variant entering the country undetected.
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The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, said it is working closely with international partners, including WHO, to track the movement of the variant and assess any potential threats it may pose to national public health.
Despite its fast spread, NB.1.8.1 is not believed to cause more severe illness than previous variants. The symptoms remain familiar—sore throat, cough, fever, and fatigue—and there is currently no indication of increased hospitalisation or mortality rates linked to the variant.
However, experts caution that the variant’s partial ability to evade immunity may result in more reinfections, even among individuals who were previously infected or vaccinated.
As a result, vaccine manufacturers such as Pfizer and Moderna are working on updated booster shots tailored to better protect against NB.1.8.1 and its closely related subvariant, LP.8.1.
The WHO and NCDC have emphasized that current COVID-19 vaccines still offer robust protection against severe illness and death. Nigerians are strongly encouraged to stay up to date with their vaccinations and booster shots.
Health officials also advise the continued use of preventive measures, especially in public or poorly ventilated spaces. These include wearing face masks, practicing regular hand hygiene, and avoiding large gatherings when feeling unwell.
The public is urged to stay informed through reliable sources such as the NCDC and WHO, as misinformation can hinder efforts to contain the spread.
As the global situation evolves, Nigerian authorities remain vigilant in monitoring new variants and preparing for any eventual emergence of NB.1.8.1 within the country.
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