THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION IS CLOSELY MONITORING A NEW VARIANT THAT HAS BEEN DETECTED IN MULTIPLE COUNTRIES 16:46, 30 May 2025 A new COVID-19 variant called NB.1.8.1 is drawing global

attention after a spike in cases across multiple countries, prompting the World Health Organisation (WHO) to classify it as a "variant under monitoring". While the overall health

risk is reportedly low, experts are watching closely as some areas have seen rising infections and hospitalisations where the variant has been detected. _STAY INFORMED ON THE LATEST HEALTH

NEWS BY SIGNING UP TO __OUR NEWSLETTER HERE_ WHAT IS NB.1.8.1? NB. 1.8.1 is a version of the Omicron variant. WHO reported that the first known case of NB.18.1 was identified on January 22,

also been detected in other regions, with confirmed cased in the eastern Mediterranean, including popular travel destinations like Egypt, as well as parts of South East Asia, such as

Thailand and the Maldives. Article continues below Further to this, the Centre of Disease Control (CDC) has also reported cases in the US, with traces to New York, California, Arizona, Ohio,

Washington and Rhode Island. ARE THERE CASES IN WALES? So far this year, the most common variants in Wales have been the XEC variants, which include XEC.2 and XEC.4. These have accounted

for between 20% and 70% of all samples sequenced in Wales each week since December last year. Other variants frequently seen include the KP.2 variant that was widespread in December last

year, the LF.7 variant seen in low numbers throughout the year and the MC variants, which include the MC.10, MC.13 and MC.1 subvariants. There have been cases of NB.1 that have been

sequenced in Wales however these have only been found a small number of times in three weeks out the last 21. SHOULD I BE WORRIED? So far, the WHO says that the global health risk from

NB.1.8.1 is low. While some countries are seeing more hospital visits linked to the variant, there is no evidence that it causes more severe illnesses than recent variants. AM I PROTECTED?

Yes. According to the WHO, the currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are expected to protect people against this variant, especially when it comes to preventing serious illness and symptoms.

ARE THERE ANY TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS? Even though NB.1.8.1 has been found in popular holiday destinations, the WHO says there is no need for travel or trade restrictions at this time. The

organisation urges countries to stay alert and adjust their responses as needed, but does not recommend closing borders or limiting travel. The official report states: "WHO recommends

that countries remain vigilant, adapt to evolving epidemiological trends, and leverage COVID-19 management strategies to strengthen systems for all respiratory disease threats. Member States

should continue offering COVID-19 vaccines in line with WHO recommendations." WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? Health experts at the CDC say that symptoms may vary in accordance with the

variant, however they will likely be similar to the typical symptoms of COVID-19. This includes: * Fever or chills * Cough * Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing * Sore throat *

Congestion or runny nose * New loss of taste or smell * Fatigue * Muscle or body aches * Headache * Nausea or vomiting * Diarrhoea WHAT CAN I DO? If you are experiencing COVID symptoms, the

NHS has issued simple steps you can take to help protect yourself and others: * Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for 3 days after the day the test was taken if you or

your child are under 18 years old – children and young people tend to be infectious for less time than adults * Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for 5 days after the

day you took your test if you are 18 years old or over * Avoid meeting people who are more likely to get seriously ill from infections, such as people with a weakened immune system, for 10

days after the day you took your test Article continues below