Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team May 04, 2025 3 hours, 38 minutes ago
Medical News: While some so-called variant hunters in America have claimed that the new SARS-CoV-2 NB.1.8.1 variant is not showing any enhanced transmission or growth potential (note the person we are talking about has no formal training in virology or any in medical or bio sciences for that matter and is “bum buddies” with a few biostatisticians in Switzerland(A German National), Netherlands and Italy, who are all linked with the WEF, are pro COVID-19 vaccine, supported by certain big Pharma and are all anti-Thailand Medical News), data collated by a credible variant hunter with an exceptional track record, Dr Xu Zou from Tsinghua University shows a totally different scenario and paints a concerning potential global surge coming.
https://x.com/xz_keg/status/1916014854743445730
https://x.com/xz_keg/status/1906555341913100433
https://x.com/xz_keg/status/1911578779899822195
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NB.1.8.1: The New SARS-CoV-2 Variant Racing to Dominate - Is a New Wave Coming
A Rapid Rise in Hong Kong
The SARS-CoV-2 variant NB.1.8.1 has shown explosive growth, climbing from 0% to nearly 100% prevalence in Hong Kong within two months, as reported by Dr Xu Zou on March 31, 2025. This rapid ascent mirrors the trajectory of previous wave-driving variants like XBB.1.5 and JN.1. By April 14, 2025, NB.1.8.1 was still accelerating at a 120% weekly growth rate, a speed only seen in major variants that triggered global surges.
Why NB.1.8.1 Stands Out
This
Medical News report highlights NB.1.8.1's unique genetic profile. Evolving from NB.1, it mimics the spike protein of XEC but is built on a different backbone, XDV, with additional mutations like S:K478I and A435S, which enhance transmissibility. Users on X noted its specific mutations—T22N, F59S, and G184V in the N-terminal domain—giving it an edge over competitors like XEC. NB.1.8.1 is 72 nucleotides different from the current major lineage LP.8.1, marking a significant evolutionary leap.
Global Spread and Concerns
Beyond Hong Kong, NB.1.8.1 is gaining traction in Singapore, rising from 7% to 8.5% in one week by April 14, 2025, though its growth there is slower. This variant’s ability to outpace competitors raises alarms, especially as it follows a pattern seen in Hong Kong’s 2022 Omicron BA.2 wave, which led to one of the highest per-capita death rates globally due to low natural immunity and vaccine hesitancy in vulnerable groups.
Immune Evasion and Transmissibility
NB.1.8.1’s mutations suggest strong immune evasion, a trait shared with other Omicron subvariants like XBB and JN.1. The S:F456L mutation, also seen in XDV.1, paired with A435S, likely boosts its ability to spr
ead rapidly. This aligns with global trends where variants with enhanced transmissibility and vaccine breakthrough capacity, as noted in Nature Communications, continue to challenge public health measures.
What’s Next for NB.1.8.1?
The variant’s trajectory could signal a new wave, especially in regions with waning immunity. Hong Kong’s history of stringent measures and high surveillance, as seen in 2022, may not be enough if NB.1.8.1 spreads globally. Experts on X are watching closely, with some calling for updated vaccines to target its unique spike profile. The variant’s growth advantage—90% weekly in Hong Kong—demands urgent attention to prevent a repeat of past surges.
For more on the NB.1.8.1 variant, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/researcher-warns-that-news-sars-cov-2-variant-nb-1-8-1-is-rapidly-spreading-across-multiple-countries
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/breaking-the-new-sars-cov-2-variant-nb-1-8-1-is-the-most-dangerous-so-far-and-poses-a-major-threat
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/new-covid-19-wave-hits-taiwan-with-3000-infections-and-7-deaths-in-a-week
https://www.thailandmedical.news/pages/thailand_doctors_listings
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