- The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed the detection of 13 cases of the new Covid-19 variant NB.1.8.1 across England, with additional cases in other parts of the UK.
- The NB.1.8.1 variant, an Omicron subvariant, accounts for just over 10 per cent of global infections and has been designated a “variant under monitoring” by the World Health Organization.
- Symptoms of the NB.1.8.1 variant are similar to other Omicron subvariants, including fatigue, fever, muscle aches, and a sore throat.
- Health officials believe current Covid-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective against the NB.1.8.1 variant, protecting against severe illness.
- UKHSA deputy director Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam stated that there is no evidence suggesting the new variant causes more severe disease than previous variants.
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