Spread of the NB.1.8.1 variant in Asia (1/12)
Originating in China, the NB.1.8.1 variant of Covid-19 has rapidly spread across Asia, reaching regions like Hong Kong where a significant resurgence of the epidemic has been observed. This sub-lineage of the Omicron variant, known for its high transmissibility, was classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a ‘variant under surveillance’ on May 23. This classification, created in 2020, is reserved for variants presenting an increased risk to public health.
Covid protective masks
Public health equipment
Significant mutations of the NB.1.8.1 variant (2/12)
Professor Yves Buisson, a member of the French National Academy of Medicine, emphasized that NB.1.8.1 presents ‘three fairly significant mutations’ compared to its predecessor, which could make it the dominant variant in the future. For his part, virologist Bruno Lina told BFMTV that the specific characteristics of this variant could make it dominant. In Asia, particularly in Taiwan, the National Center for Disease Control reported a 66% increase in Covid-19-related consultations in one week.
Emergence of the NB.1.8.1 variant in Europe and the United States (3/12)