Local Australian Media Reports That SARS-CoV-2 NB.1.8.1 Variant is Driving Surge of COVID-19 Infections in Western Australia
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team May 26, 2025 1 day, 16 hours, 23 minutes ago
Medical News: NB.1.8.1 Variant Emerges in Western Australia
Western Australia is witnessing a notable rise in COVID-19 cases, attributed to the emergence of a new subvariant named NB.1.8.1. This variant has become the dominant strain detected in Perth's wastewater, indicating its widespread presence in the community. Hospitalizations have increased to an average of 38 per day, up from 31 the previous week, signaling a growing impact on the healthcare system.
https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/public-health/covid-19-new-subvariant-nb181-driving-increase-in-infections-in-wa-c-18801659
Local Australian Media Reports That SARS-CoV-2 NB.1.8.1 Variant is Driving Surge of COVID-19
Infections in Western Australia
Understanding NB.1.8.1
NB.1.8.1 is a descendant of the Omicron lineage JN.1 and was first identified globally in January 2025. It carries several spike protein mutations, including A435S, V445H, and T478I, which may enhance its ability to bind to human cells and potentially increase its transmissibility.
Global Spread and Monitoring
This
Medical News report highlights that NB.1.8.1 is not confined to Australia. It has been detected in various parts of Asia, including China, Singapore, and Hong Kong, where it has contributed to surges in COVID-19 cases. In the United States, the variant has been identified through airport screenings in states such as California, Washington, Virginia, and New York. The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated NB.1.8.1 as a Variant Under Monitoring, indicating that while it is spreading, it does not currently pose a significant global public health risk.
Symptoms and Vaccine Efficacy
The symptoms associated with acute infections of NB.1.8.1 are: persistent coughs, irritated throats, nausea/giddiness, headaches, loss of appetite, gastrointestinal issues, blurred vision, extreme fatigue, inability to concentrate on simple task like TV viewing, reading, etc. May are also experiencing a unique form of hyperthermia.
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/persistent-low-grade-hyperthermia-not-fever-emerging-as-one-of-the-symptoms-of-sars-cov-2-nb-1-8-1-infection
Health authorities in Western Australia are urging residents to take necessary precautions and those in the vulnerable groups such as the elderly, those with existing comorbidities and those that are immunocompromised to tale additional precautions and self-isolate if necessary.
Some of the standard measures that the public should adopt include practicing good hygiene, including regular handwashing and wearing masks in crowded places.<
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With the influenza season also approaching, free flu vaccinations are available for all Western Australians aged five to 64, including international visitors and those without a Medicare card, until June 30. Free immunization against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is also available for infants and pregnant women.
Conclusion
The emergence of the NB.1.8.1 variant in Western Australia underscores the importance of continued vigilance in monitoring COVID-19's evolution. While this variant appears to be more transmissible, it does not currently lead to more severe illness. Practicing good hygiene, and staying informed through reliable sources are key strategies in managing the ongoing pandemic.
For the latest COVID-19 News, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
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