Appearance in Europe, the US, and Vaccine Effectiveness
In Europe, the NB.1.8.1 variant has appeared in Germany, Ireland, and the Netherlands, with France reporting its first cases in March. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the variant has been circulating since early April, though its epidemiological impact remains uncertain. In the United States, cases have been detected among international travelers arriving in several states, including California and New York.
WHO Reassures on Vaccine Effectiveness
The WHO has reassured the public that current Covid-19 vaccines should remain effective against this variant in preventing symptomatic and severe forms of the disease. However, vigilance is advised, especially in Asia, where the variant has become dominant. Hong Kong reported that key Covid-19 surveillance indicators reached their highest levels in a year, prompting authorities to strengthen hygiene measures.
Rising Positive Test Rates in Hong Kong
The percentage of respiratory samples testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 in Hong Kong doubled within a month, rising from 6.21% to 13.66%. Additionally, viral loads in wastewater nearly doubled, reaching 710,000 copies per liter. Despite these alarming figures, there is currently no evidence that NB.1.8.1 causes more severe forms of the disease. To continue, see next page…
