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Srishti Singh Sisodia, World News 18 June 2025
The WHO is monitoring a new fast-spreading Omicron subvariant, NB.1.8.1 or Nimbus, linked to rising COVID-19 cases globally. Though highly transmissible, experts say it causes mostly mild illness, and current vaccines remain effective.
A new Omicron subvariant, NB.1.8.1—nicknamed Nimbus—is driving a rise in COVID-19 cases globally, prompting close monitoring by the WHO. First identified in January 2025, it now accounts for 10.7% of globally sequenced cases. The US and UK have reported increased hospitalisations, with the UK seeing a 10% rise.
Asian countries, including India, are also witnessing a spike in respiratory infections, although no confirmed cases of Nimbus have been reported. Experts stress that Nimbus appears highly transmissible but largely causes mild to moderate illness.
Symptoms mirror those of earlier Omicron strains—fever, cough, and fatigue—with some reporting a "razor blade throat," an intensely painful sore throat. The World Health Organization (WHO) has assessed the global risk from Nimbus as low, with vaccines remaining effective. Indian experts urge precaution and vaccination for high-risk groups.
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