“The new Nimbus Covid variant caused unusually severe sore throat symptoms globally. Despite this, the WHO classified it as low risk, with no increase in severe illness or mortality.”

A new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1—named Nimbus—spread rapidly across several countries, including the United States, and gained attention due to a severe sore throat symptom described as feeling like "swallowing razor blades."

 According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Nimbus accounted for nearly 11% of global Covid-19 samples. The variant was detected during airport screenings of travelers arriving from Asia in U.S. states such as California, Virginia, New York, and Washington.

In India, INSACOG identified four circulating variants: LF.7, XFG, JN.1.16, and NB.1.8.1. In addition to the intense sore throat, symptoms of the Nimbus variant resembled those of earlier strains, including fever and chills, cough, headache, and shortness of breath.

As of June 20, India reported 5,608 active COVID-19 cases, showing a decline in infections despite the emergence of new variants.

(Source:https://www.indiatoday.in/health/story/nimbus-covid-variant-razor-blade-throat-pain-global-spread-nb181-india-us-2743754-2025-06-20)