- By Aditya Jha
- Sun, 25 May 2025 12:40 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The health ministry on Saturday informed that India has detected a new sub-variant of Covid-19, NB.1.8.1, adding that its sample was collected in April. The ministry further stated that the new subvariant is likely to be a descendant of the Omicron lineage JN.1. The initial data suggests that the new variant has a higher transmissibility rate, and the samples from several countries are being investigated to collect more data. The ministry had stated that while there has been a significant surge in the Covid cases in the past few days, the patients and the other residents need not worry, as it is curable.
Details About NB.1.8.1
The World Health Organization had earlier stated that the new variant is derived from recombinant ancestor XDV.1.5.1, adding that it carries six mutations in the spike protein in comparison to LP8.1 (another Covid variant) and eight mutations as compared to JN.1, reported the Indian Express.
The WHO had classified it as ‘Variant Under Monitoring’ (VUM), adding that the variant has very little health risk to public life as of May 2025. The initial reports suggest that due to its binding affinity to human receptors, it has a higher transmissibility rate in comparison to other variants.
The new variant is more contagious as its chances to bind to the human cells are more due to the spike in protein mutations. The reports also suggest that it can lead to more damage to the immune system in comparison to other Covid variants due to the spike protein mutations. While there is no evidence that the variant is less curable, it is highly transmissible, the initial reports from China suggested.
What Are The Symptoms?
The health ministry stated that there are multiple symptoms, including sore throat, fatigue, fever, headache, and loss of appetite.
ALSO READ: 'Face Of A Changing India': PM Modi Hails Operation Sindoor In 122nd Episode Of 'Mann Ki Baat'