Those who monitor the new Covid variant that spread to America and Europe

A new Covidio The variant is maintained under surveillance by the World Health Organization (WHO) since its emergency has led to an increase in infections in different world regions. Identified for the first time at the end of January, the variant – called NB.1.8.1 but known informally as “Nimbo” – is a descendant of the Old Family of Covidi Sublineges and has become increasingly prevalent throughout spring in Europe, the Americas and the western Pacific.

The virus has mutations that can increase its infection and allow him to escape certain antibodies. However, “considering the tests available, the additional risk to public health posed by NB.1.8.1 is evaluated as low on a global level”, wrote the WHO in his last Risk assessment For the variant.

Like other variants before it, Nimbus has specific mutations for his Spike protein. These proteins cover the surface of the virus and are the one it uses to get entrance into the cells, where it reproduces. The changes of Nimbus Spike proteins could increase its transmission capacity and partially reduce the neutralizing effectiveness of some antibodies generated by previous infections, both would contribute to its diffusion.

However, the WHO says that there is no evidence that this variant causes more serious diseases than other currently circulating strains. Nor have the increases of the hospitalizations or deaths related to its emergency have been observed.

The symptoms associated with NB.1.8.1 are similar to those caused by other Sars-Cov-2 variants: sore throat, cough, fatigue, fever, muscle pain, loss of taste or smell, respiratory anguish, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

The WHO experts explain that although this variant can partially evade some antibody responses, this “immune escape” is comparable to that observed in other sublineage murders. This suggests that the mutations present in NB.1.8.1 do not give the virus greater resistance to antivirals such as Nirmatrelvir and that current vaccines continue to be effective in the prevention of a serious illness when infected with this version of the virus.

However, for the most vulnerable ones in Covid, such as the elderly, immunocompromexes or those with pre -existing chronic conditions – Nimbus represents a new health threat and these groups should remain updated with booster vaccinations to ensure that they are protected from the worst effects of Covid.

This story originally appeared on Wired en español And it was translated by the Spaniard.