Two Die From COVID-19 as NB.1.8.1 Variant Starts Causing a Surge in Infections Across Vietnam
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team May 31, 2025 1 day, 13 hours, 14 minutes ago
Thailand Medical News: Faces Rising COVID-19 Cases as New Omicron Sub-Variant Emerges
After several months of calm, Vietnam is once again facing the looming threat of COVID-19, as new cases begin to surge across the country—particularly in Ho Chi Minh City—due to the spread of a concerning new Omicron sub-variant known as NB.1.8.1. Health officials have confirmed two recent deaths linked to COVID-19 in the southern city, raising alarms among the medical community and prompting government agencies to reinforce public health advisories.
Two Die From COVID-19 as NB.1.8.1 Variant Starts Causing a Surge in Infections Across Vietnam
The spike in cases marks a sharp contrast to the situation just a few weeks ago, when Vietnam was recording only a handful of COVID-19 cases per week. Over the past seven days alone, Ho Chi Minh City has reported 79 new infections, compared to just one or two weekly cases during April. This
Thailand Medical News report explores the details behind this sudden uptick, the nature of the NB.1.8.1 variant, and what it could mean for Vietnam and the region as the busy summer travel season begins.
Two Deaths Raise Red Flags Amid Summer Surge
Nguyen Van Vinh Chau, Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Health, confirmed on May 30 that the two individuals who died had been battling several severe health conditions prior to contracting COVID-19. One of the victims, a 53-year-old man, had acute myeloid leukemia, pneumonia, septic shock, and a previous history of tuberculosis. The second, a 46-year-old woman, suffered from diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney infection, and necrotizing pneumonia. Both succumbed to complications while also being COVID-19 positive.
Despite these tragedies, most of the COVID-19 cases currently being treated in Ho Chi Minh City are mild. The National Hospital for Tropical Diseases has admitted six patients since January, including a 66-year-old woman undergoing chemotherapy who experienced respiratory failure. Her case, although severe, has stabilized, offering some reassurance that vaccinations and prior infections may still offer protection against the worst outcomes.
The NB.1.8.1 Variant Emerges as a Global Player
Genome sequencing of the virus samples from recent patients has confirmed the presence of the NB.1.8.1 variant, now the dominant strain circulating in Vietnam’s most populous city. This sub-lineage of the Omicron variant has already been detected in at least 23 countries and territories, suggesting that it may have a high transmission potential. However, preliminary data from the World Health Organization indicate that NB.1.8.1 does not appear to evade immunity significantly more than previous Omicron strains, nor does it cause more severe illness.
Nonetheless, its rapid spread is causing concern—especially with increased travel and mass gatherings expected during the upcoming summer months. Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, is a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists, and rising mobility could inadvertently contribute to wider outbreaks if pub
lic precautions are not maintained.
Health Authorities Urge Vigilance
Vietnam’s Ministry of Health has issued a strong reminder to the public to remain cautious. Although hospitalizations remain relatively low, the upward trend in daily cases is worrying, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, immunocompromised, and those with chronic diseases. The ministry is advising individuals to practice good hygiene, wear masks in crowded places, and stay home if feeling unwell.
With many countries treating COVID-19 as endemic, there's a growing tendency for the public to become complacent. But experts warn that variants like NB.1.8.1, even if not deadlier, can still lead to serious disruptions if infections spike quickly—overwhelming hospitals and leading to more preventable deaths.
Conclusion
The recent deaths in Ho Chi Minh City are a sobering reminder that COVID-19 has not disappeared and can still pose serious threats, especially when new variants emerge. The NB.1.8.1 strain may not be more lethal, but its global spread and rising case numbers in Vietnam suggest it is highly contagious. As the world enters yet another summer marked by heavy travel and large gatherings, the risk of new waves cannot be ignored. While vaccines and prior infections may reduce severity, they do not eliminate the virus altogether. Continued vigilance, transparent reporting, and responsible public behavior will be critical in preventing a larger outbreak.
Media References:
https://en.sggp.org.vn/covid-19-cases-sharply-rising-in-hcmc-leading-to-reported-deaths-post117933.html
https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/vietnam-reports-2-covid-19-deaths-in-ho-chi-minh-city-as-new-variant-spreads-4892616.html
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