New Covid-19 Variant "Nimbus": Painful Sore Throat but Low Risk

A new variant of Covid-19, named "Nimbus" (NB.1.8.1), has been detected in various countries, including Britain and India. Cases have also been reported in Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean since mid-May.

This variant, also known as "razor throat" due to the intense sore throat it causes, presents symptoms such as fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, and loss of taste and smell.

Despite the increase in cases, experts and the World Health Organization (WHO) believe there is no significant cause for concern. The WHO announced on May 28 that the frequency of the new variant has reached approximately 11% of confirmed cases worldwide in 73 countries, compared to 2% in February in 110 countries.

The variant has been detected in travelers arriving in the United States from regions where it is prevalent, in destinations such as California, Washington, Virginia, and New York. Scientists maintain that infection with the Nimbus variant does not cause more severe illness compared to other variants, and existing vaccines remain effective.

The WHO has designated Nimbus as a "variant under surveillance" and estimates that the risk to public health is low globally.

Some countries in the Western Pacific have reported an increase in cases and hospitalizations, but there is no evidence that the disease associated with Nimbus is more severe.