New Corona variant NB.1.8.1: What does that mean for Germany?

New Corona variant NB.1.8.1: What does that mean for Germany?

A new Corona variant, known as NB.1.8.1, is spreading globally, but has so far had little influence on the infection in Germany. The variant was first identified in January 2023 and classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a "variant under observation". In Germany, NB.1.8.1 was demonstrated at the end of March 2023, but has only occurred sporadically since then, the Weser-Kurier

The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) has found that the Covid cases in Germany remain low and that a trend cannot be derived. The reporting numbers show that only 698 Corona cases were reported in the week by June 8, 2023. However, there are indications of a slight increase in the Sars-COV-2 load in the wastewater in the past four weeks.

Properties of the variant NB.1.8.1

The NB.1.8.1 comes from the pathogen trunk XDV.1.5, which is predominant in the Far East. According to reports from China, NB.1.8.1 at the end of May 2023 was the dominant variant in the country. Despite an increase in the frequency of this variant, there are no evidence of serious disease courses. The WHO confirms that despite the increasing cases there are no signs of serious diseases by NB.1.8.1. Symptoms of this variant resemble those of other Sars-Cov 2 variants, including sore throat, cough and fatigue. Mutations in the spike protein of NB.1.8.1 could increase the ability to transmit, but the effectiveness of existing vaccines to prevent serious illnesses remains unchanged.

According to the WHO, the additional public health risk of the variant is classified as low at a global level. Particularly endangered groups such as older people and immunocompromised people should observe health precautions and stay over refresher vaccinations, such as the Paul-ehrlich-instituts

In summary, it can be said that the new Corona variant NB.1.8.1 is observed globally, but so far has no serious effects on public health. It remains to be seen how the situation will develop and to what extent the vaccination strategies have to react to this variant.