Rising Threat of the New COVID Variant Nimbus: What You Must Know About the ‘Razor Blade Throat’ Symptoms | India News

India is experiencing a resurgence of COVID-19, with recent reports indicating over 7,000 active infections and more than 70 deaths nationwide. The coronavirus, particularly the SARS-CoV-2 strain, has become a seasonal issue akin to influenza. However, a new variant, NB.1.8.1, known as ‘Nimbus’, is garnering global attention due to an alarming symptom-a sore throat perceived by some as feeling like “razor blades.” Indian healthcare professionals have confirmed that a number of patients have reported this distressing experience.

Rapidly spreading in regions like China and Hong Kong, cases of the Nimbus variant have also been identified in several U.S. states, including California, Washington, Virginia, and New York. Australia has recorded instances too, while the UK confirmed 13 cases in June, accompanied by a nearly 10% uptick in hospitalizations, according to The Independent. The variant has also been detected in India, where its circulation is amplifying.

As of mid-May, NB.1.8.1 accounted for approximately 11% of all globally sequenced COVID-19 samples, highlighting its swift rise in prevalence. The hallmark symptom of this variant is a significantly painful sore throat, along with additional symptoms such as fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, and loss of taste or smell. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has indicated that this variant does not seem to cause more severe illness compared to earlier strains and currently poses a low risk.

The WHO has categorized NB.1.8.1 as a “variant under monitoring,” confirming that while it is spreading, it does not represent a major threat at this stage. Existing COVID-19 vaccines maintain their effectiveness against severe outcomes associated with this variant. Dr. Naveed Asif, a general practitioner at The London General Practice, stated, “The WHO assesses the additional risk to the global public as currently low, and existing COVID-19 vaccines are considered effective in preventing severe disease.”

Vaccines approved by the U.S. FDA-such as Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, and Novavax-are anticipated to be effective against NB.1.8.1, given that it belongs to the Omicron JN.1 lineage. Experts stress the importance of staying up to date with booster shots. Individuals with underlying health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or hypertension should exercise heightened caution, as their immune responses may be compromised.

Scientists hypothesize that NB.1.8.1 spreads more efficiently due to its enhanced binding capabilities with human cells. A report from Gavi highlighted that this variant binds more tightly to the ACE2 receptor, the entry point for SARS-CoV-2. Virologist Lara Herrero from Griffith University noted, “Using lab-based models, researchers found NB.1.8.1 had the strongest binding affinity to the human ACE2 receptor of several variants tested,” suggesting this variant may infect cells more effectively than earlier strains. Dr. Chun Tang, a UK-based general practitioner, added that while NB.1.8.1 shares similarities with Omicron, modifications to its spike protein may enhance transmissibility or its ability to evade immunity. Dr. Magdalena Sobieszczyk, Chief of Infectious Diseases at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia, emphasized its rapid spread, attributing it to advantageous genetic mutations.

Preventive measures remain crucial. Wearing masks in crowded places, practicing respiratory hygiene, maintaining regular hand sanitation, and avoiding public outings when feeling unwell are recommended. Proper ventilation in indoor spaces significantly mitigates infection risks, particularly during surges in transmission.

Though the name ‘Nimbus’ may evoke associations with the magical broomstick from ‘Harry Potter’, it derives from a type of cloud. Professor T. Ryan Gregory from the University of Guelph explained that such naming conventions make tracking emerging variants more straightforward and accessible to the public.

Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/new-covid-variant-nimbus-razor-blade-throat-10076296/
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Publish Date: 2025-06-19 18:39:00