WHO on alert over new COVID variant

The World Health Organization recommends that countries remain vigilant and monitor the evolution of variants, particularly to avoid overwhelming healthcare systems, and advises maintaining active vaccination.

This new variant has already led to a rise in cases in Europe and the United States.

According to Julio Lopez, a virology expert, "the data available so far suggests that NB.1.8.1 may spread more easily and partially evade the immunity resulting from previous infections or vaccination."

The main symptoms are fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, recent loss of taste or smell, fatigue, and muscle or body aches.

The new strain, discovered in January, is a derivative of Omicron. It was first reported in January 2025 in Egypt, Thailand, and the Maldives.

(MH with MaSi - Source: 20 minutos.es - Photo: © Unsplash)