As we enter the colder months in Australia, COVID is making headlines again, this time due to the emergence of a new variant: NB.1.8.1.
The current COVID situation More than five years since COVID was initially declared a pandemic, we’re still experiencing regular waves of infections.
Of cases sequenced up to May 6 across Australia, NB.1.8.1 ranged from less than 10% in South Australia to more than 40% in Victoria.
Wastewater surveillance in Western Australia has determined NB.1.8.1 is now the dominant variant in wastewater samples collected in Perth.
Public health responses remain focused on close monitoring, continued genomic sequencing, and promoting the uptake of updated COVID boosters.
The rise of a new COVID variant, NB, is the reason why the virus is making headlines once more as Australia’s winter months approach. 1–8. 1. .
The World Health Organization named NB last week. 1:8. 1 as a “variant under monitoring,” given its expanding worldwide distribution and a few noteworthy traits that might distinguish it from previous variants.
What do you need to know about this new variant, then?
the state of COVID at the moment.
Even after COVID was first declared a pandemic more than five years ago, we continue to see waves of infections.
Since fewer people are testing for and reporting infections these days, it is more challenging to monitor the virus’s prevalence. However, data indicates that Australia’s case count was gradually increasing in late May 2025.
NB has been verified by genomic sequencing. 1 point 8. In Australia, strain 1 is one that is in circulation and is steadily growing. of cases in Australia, NB, that were sequenced up until May 6. 1:8. In South Australia, the percentage was less than 10%, while in Victoria, it was over 40%.
NB was found in Western Australia through wastewater surveillance. 1:8. In wastewater samples gathered in Perth, variant 1 is currently the most prevalent.
NB. Internationally. 1 point 8. And 1 is expanding. It made up about 10 percent of all sequences submitted by the end of April 2025, compared to only 2 percent four weeks earlier. Even though the total number of cases that were sequenced was still relatively small, this steady increase has led international public health organizations to increase their surveillance.
NB. 1 point 8. At the end of April, 1 was the most common variant in China and Hong Kong, and it has been spreading, especially in Asia.
From where does this variation originate?
As per the WHO, NB. 1–8. 1 was initially found in samples that were taken in January 2025.
It is descended from the recombinant XDV lineage and is a sublineage of the Omicron variant. When two or more preexisting variants are genetically mixed to create a new one, this is known as “recombinant.”.
More precisely, the image on the right illustrates how NB works. 1–8. 1 developed.
What has been found in the research?
Like its forerunners, NB. 1:8. The spike protein in 1 has a number of mutations. This is the protein on the virus’s surface that enables infection, particularly through the “doorway” to our cells—the ACE2 receptors.
T22N, F59S, G184S, A435S, V445H, and T478I are among the mutations. We don’t yet have a lot of information on the significance of these changes because this variant is still in its infancy. However, a recent preprint, which is a study that has not yet undergone peer review, provides some hints as to why NB. 1–8. 1 might be gaining momentum.
By using models in the lab, researchers discovered NB. 1:8. Of the various variants tested, 1 had the highest binding affinity to the human ACE2 receptor, indicating that it might infect cells more effectively than previous strains.
The study also examined the ability of antibodies from vaccinated or previously infected individuals to neutralize or “block” the variant. According to the results, antibodies’ neutralizing response was about 1 point 5 times that of NB. 1–8. 1 in contrast to LP, another recent variation. 8point 1. 1. .
This implies the possibility of an NB infection. 1 point 8. Compared to previous variants, 1 might be more likely to spread the virus to other people.
How do you describe the symptoms?
NB is suggested by the available data. 1:8. may be more easily transmitted and could circumvent immunity from previous vaccinations or infections to some extent. These elements might be responsible for its increase in sequencing data.
Crucially, however, the WHO has not yet seen any proof that it results in a more severe illness than other variations.
NB symptoms are suggested by reports. 1–8. 1 ought to be in close agreement with other subvariants of Omicron.
A sore throat, exhaustion, fever, a slight cough, muscle aches, and congestion of the nose are typical symptoms. In some instances, there may also be gastrointestinal symptoms.
The vaccine, what about it?
even if there is a slight decrease in neutralizing antibody levels against NB. 1–8. 1. According to the WHO, current COVID vaccines should continue to offer protection against severe illness in the event of this variant.
Targeting JN, the latest booster is accessible in Australia and many other nations. 1. from which NB is derived. 1–8. It is descended. It follows that it ought to continue providing strong protection.
