A new COVID-19 variant is swiftly making its way across California, prompting health experts to issue warnings about a potential surge in cases this summer. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) noted in a statement to The Sacramento Bee, “COVID-19 continues to circulate in California, and future seasonal increases in disease levels are likely.” Here’s what residents in California need to be aware of regarding this new strain.
The new coronavirus strain, referred to as NB.1.8.1, has been on the rise throughout California since May 1. Initial detections of this variant began in mid-March, according to the CDPH. This strain is a subvariant of the Omicron lineage, specifically emerging from JN.1, and it features six mutations in the spike protein that may enhance its transmissibility.
As of May 18, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported 518 cases of the NB.1.8.1 COVID-19 variant across 22 countries, including the United States. The CDPH stated that genomic variant modeling indicates that as of now, NB.1.8.1 constitutes approximately 55% of the total circulating COVID-19 variants. In April, it represented only 2% of cases in California, but that figure surged to 19% by May 29.
The CDPH has indicated that there have been no significant variations in symptoms between the NB.1.8.1 variant and the original COVID-19 strain. Fortunately, the WHO has assessed that the severity and symptoms associated with this variant do not appear to be worse than those of other circulating variants. Common symptoms of the NB.1.8.1 variant include:
Fever or chills Cough Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Fatigue Muscle or body aches Headache New loss of taste or smell Sore throat Congestion or runny nose Nausea or vomiting DiarrheaThe CDPH has stated that currently available COVID-19 vaccines are expected to maintain their effectiveness against the new variant. The latest vaccine was released in fall 2024. Keeping up to date with vaccinations can significantly reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, or death. Individuals aged 6 months and older are encouraged to stay current with their vaccinations. The health department advises Californians to consult their healthcare providers for specific vaccination recommendations, and it will continue to monitor the evolving situation.
While mutations in SARS-CoV-2 can potentially affect test performance, the COVID-19 tests currently available are designed to detect all known variants, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has previously stated, “We expect COVID tests to work well against all versions of the virus.” However, although these tests can confirm the presence of SARS-CoV-2, they cannot specify which variant is present.
Typically, respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, see spikes during the colder months. However, summer can also present its own challenges regarding COVID-19 transmission. The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health explains that summer surges in COVID-19 cases are often driven by factors such as increased travel, indoor gatherings, and waning immunity over time. “While it’s still too early to say whether this dual seasonality will continue, understanding these summer surges can help us better protect against infection and severe disease,” experts at Johns Hopkins advised in a report.
