A new variant of COVID-19 has been identified by researchers even as warmer weather spreads across the hemisphere.
As of June 2, 2025, the most recently identified COVID-19 variant widely discussed is NB.1.8.1, a descendant of the Omicron lineage, according to news reports.
New COVID Variant NB.1.8.1 Spreads Across U.S.
The new variant has been detected in California, Washington state, Arizona, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, Arizona, and Hawaii, and more places. The good news is that scientists from China, where it was first found, report that the illness is not as severe as some variants that have emerged previously.
“Data indicates that NB.1.8.1 does not lead to more severe illness compared to previous variants, although it appears to have a growth advantage, suggesting it may spread more easily,” Subhash Verma, a professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, told CBS News. “In other words, it is more transmissible.”
The new variant was first detected in samples collected on January 22, 2025, and designated a Variant Under Monitoring (VUM) by the World Health Organization (WHO) on May 23, 2025.
According to available data, the symptoms of the NB.1.8.1 variant are broadly similar to those of previous Omicron subvariants, primarily affecting the upper respiratory tract.
What Are the Symptoms of the New COVID Variant?
Here’s a list of common symptoms of the new COVID variant based on current reports:
- Fever or chills: Often a low-grade fever, though it can vary in intensity.
- Cough: Typically mild, but persistent in some cases.
- Sore throat: A common early symptom, often reported as scratchiness or irritation.
- Runny nose or nasal congestion: Similar to symptoms of a cold.
- Fatigue: General tiredness or weakness, which may be pronounced.
- Muscle aches or body aches: Soreness or discomfort, particularly in the back or limbs.
- Headache: Can range from mild to moderate.
- Shortness of breath: Less common than with earlier variants but may occur, especially in severe cases.
- Gastrointestinal issues: Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, noted in some instances.
- Loss of taste or smell: Less frequent than with earlier strains like Delta, but still reported in some cases, particularly with variants related to JN.1.
Key Observations:
- Similarity to Prior Strains: Experts, including those from the CDC and WHO, indicate no evidence of distinct or more severe symptoms with NB.1.8.1 compared to other Omicron subvariants. The symptom profile aligns closely with what has been observed in recent years.
- Variability: Symptoms can vary depending on factors like vaccination status, age, overall health, and whether someone is immunocompromised. Mild symptoms are common in most cases, but severe illness remains a risk for high-risk groups, such as the elderly or those with underlying conditions (e.g., diabetes, heart disease).
- Incubation and Duration: Symptoms typically appear 2-14 days after exposure and may last from a few days to two weeks, depending on severity and individual response.
Will the New COVID Variant Show Up in Georgia?
it’s too early to tell whether the new variant will emerge in Georgia, although with Atlanta having the world’s busiest airport, there’s a good chance.
A source from the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer notes that local cases in Georgia have not been confirmed, though it highlights the variant’s presence in the U.S. and advises residents to stay informed.
Given the variant’s detection in international travelers and its spread in 22 countries, it’s possible it could emerge in Georgia, but as of the latest available data, no cases have been explicitly reported there.
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