The World Health Organization (WHO) has alerted people that the new variant of Covid-19 found in China is increasing rapidly in some parts of the world and is currently spreading in South-East Asia, Western Pacific region and Mediterranean regions.
WHO officials said that the outbreak of corona has increased again in China in recent days due to a new variant called NB.1.8.1. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) told The Epoch Times that this new variant has been detected in the US. However, about 20 sequences of it have been found so far.
WHO expressed concern
The World Health Organization has expressed concern about the rising cases of Covid-19 virus again. According to the WHO, an increase in the activity of the SARS-CoV-2 virus has been seen worldwide since mid-February 2025.
According to WHO data, the positivity rate in Covid tests has reached 11%, the highest since July 2024. The WHO had declared the NB.1.8.1 variant as a variant under surveillance and considered its risk to be low.
In its update on Wednesday, the WHO said that some Western Pacific countries, including China, have reported an increase in the number of Covid-19 cases and hospitalizations. However, there is nothing yet to suggest that the disease associated with the new variant is more severe than other variants.
What did the WHO say?
The WHO said in its update that recently an increase in cases has been seen in four countries and regions, including Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
The WHO said that the variant called LP.8.1 is currently the dominant variant worldwide.
The UN health body said both LP.8.1 and NB.1.8.1 have shown no signs that they pose an increased public health risk compared to other variants.
WHO officials said airport screenings in the US have detected the new variant in passengers arriving from infected areas in California, Washington, Virginia, and New York.
What did the CDC say?
A CDC spokesperson told The Epoch Times that even though the NB.1.8.1 variant has been detected in the US, there are fewer than 20 sequences in baseline surveillance data in the US so far.
"It has not met the threshold to be included in the COVID Data Tracker dashboard. We are monitoring all SARS-CoV-2 and if it grows in proportion it will appear on the Data Tracker dashboard," he said.
NB.1.8.1 Cases Increasing in China
The NB.1.8.1 strain is a variant of XDV COVID-19. Data published by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention last week indicated that NB.1.8.1 is the dominant strain in China. Doctors told media outlets that one of its new symptoms includes a severe sore throat.
WHO's suggestion
The WHO has urged all member countries to manage COVID according to a risk-based and integrated strategy.
Follow the recommendations of the WHO Director-General.
Do not stop the vaccination program, continue it.
Vaccinate people at high risk.
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent serious illness and death.
PM Modi made a record: Leaving behind Indira, he became the second leader to remain Prime Minister continuously for the longest time.
On 25 July, today, Narendra Modi became the second-longest-serving Prime Minister of the country. PM Modi surpassed the record of former PM Indira Gandhi. Until now, Jawaharlal Nehru has been in the
Mumbai train blast case: SC stays High Court's decision, but accused will remain free
The Supreme Court has given a big verdict in the 2006 Mumbai train blast case. The Supreme Court has stayed the Bombay High Court's decision to acquit twelve accused in this connection.
Mamata Banerjee: 'A blot on womanhood...', what did the BJP say on Mamata Banerjee's statement in the Durgapur MBBS student rape case?
The rape of a medical student in Durgapur, West Bengal, is constantly in the news. Yesterday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee issued a statement on the matter, which has brought the Mamata Banerjee
Shubman Gill created history, gave India a record win at Edgbaston; Gavaskar's 49-year-old record broken.
A new chapter has been added to Indian cricket history. In the second Test match played at Edgbaston, Team India defeated England by 336 runs and tied the series 1-1. In this match, Shubman Gill
'We want a young PM', Gen-Z, divided into many factions, put forward a new demand, now who will become the new head of Nepal?
In the deepening night, for a new dawn in Nepal burning in the Gen-J movement, an all-party consensus was reached on the formation of an interim government and the name of its head.
It is mandatory to show one Bengali film every day in Bengal's cinema halls. The Mamata government issued an order
It has been made mandatory for all cinema halls and multiplexes in Bengal to show at least one Bengali film every day during prime time throughout the year. In this regard, the instructions have been
A 50% tariff will be imposed on India. America issued a notification; it will be implemented from tomorrow
The US has announced plans to impose a 50 per cent tariff on goods imported from India. This is the same tariff that US President Donald Trump has already announced.
Sonu Sood: Sonu Sood got into trouble for riding a bike without a helmet in Spiti, police started an investigation
Sonu Sood, who was praised for his noble deeds during Covid-19, is now facing criticism due to this negligence. A video of Sonu riding a bike without a helmet has surfaced, which has created big
The issue of the pigeon house in Mumbai and elephant Madhuri in Kolhapur is hot, CM Fadnavis assured to find a solution.
These days, the issue of pigeon houses and elephants is hot in Maharashtra. Jain community staged a big protest after Dadar pigeon house on Wednesday against the closure of more than 50 pigeon houses
IND vs PAK: Two matches still left! How will India-Pak clash again in the Asia Cup 2025? Read the full equation
In the sixth match of the Asia Cup 2025 played in Dubai, the Indian team defeated Pakistan by 7 wickets. With the victory in this match, Team India has almost confirmed its place in the Super-4.
