A newly identified COVID-19 variant, labeled NB. 1.8.1, has been detected among international travelers arriving at airports in at least four states in the United States, including New York. This variant is currently linked to a recent COVID surge in China and is raising concern among health officials as it begins to spread throughout Asia.
The variant’s presence was confirmed through data from a screening program by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Reported cases emerged among travelers arriving from various countries including Japan, South Korea, France, Thailand, the Netherlands, Spain, Vietnam, China, and Taiwan between April 22 and May 12.
In addition to New York, cases have been recorded in Virginia, California, and Washington state. Furthermore, health officials in Rhode Island, Hawaii, and Ohio are also monitoring instances of the NB. 1.8.1 variant, which has contributed to an increase in COVID cases and hospitalizations in regions like Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Marissa Crary, a spokesperson for the New York State Health Department, confirmed that two cases of the NB. 1.8.1 strain have been reported in New York. She emphasized that the department is actively monitoring this variant along with other circulating COVID variants. According to Crary, while NB. 1.8.1 does not seem to cause more severe illness than previous variants, it is noted to be more contagious.
Dr. Bruce Farber, Northwell Health’s chief of public health and epidemiology, reassured the public that there is no substantial evidence to suggest this new variant will lead to more severe illness. He remarked that various circulating variants have emerged over the years, but none have demonstrated significant differences from recent mutations. The current COVID rates have been relatively low, and the vast majority of those infected are not experiencing severe illness, concluded Farber, noting that deaths from COVID-19 have decreased dramatically.
Data shared by the CDC indicated fewer than 20 instances of the NB. 1.8.1 variant have been sequenced in the U.S., suggesting its circulation has thus far been limited. A CDC spokesperson noted that the agency is in regular contact with international partners regarding the variant, indicating an ongoing collaboration for monitoring.
Statistical health reports show that COVID-19-related deaths over the past year varied significantly, with a peak of 73 deaths during the week ending September 21, contrasted with only 10 deaths during the week ending December 14.
Currently, New York State data reveals that there are 68 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 on Long Island, including seven individuals in the intensive care unit.
Dr. Sharon Nachman, the chief of pediatric infectious diseases at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, commented on the emergence of new variants. She mentioned that prior exposure to COVID-19, as well as vaccinations, continue to provide some level of protection against the virus. However, she also underlined the uncertainty of how significant the impact of the next variant will be, expressing the need for more data to make informed projections about its potential severity.
In light of these developments, officials from Pfizer and Moderna presented recommendations to a panel of FDA vaccine advisors aimed at altering the COVID vaccine formula for the upcoming fall and winter seasons, intending to enhance protection against the currently dominant strain, LP. 8.1, while also addressing the NB. 1.8.1 variant.
However, shifting policies have been observed as the FDA announced that moving forward, updated COVID shots will only be available to adults aged 65 and older and younger individuals with high-risk health conditions. This marks a departure from earlier Federal recommendations that suggested annual COVID-19 booster shots for all individuals aged six months and above.
The FDA encouraged vaccine manufacturers to conduct extensive studies prior to approving the revised vaccines for healthier individuals, indicating a cautious approach amid shifting recommendations.
Reflecting on the implications of limiting vaccination to specific demographics, Farber noted that while such measures may be sensible for the present, a flexible approach is essential to adapt to the ever-changing circumstances surrounding the virus. He cautioned against putting restrictions on vaccine access, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the trajectory of COVID-19 in the coming year.
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