Health experts are concerned about a potential summer wave of COVID-19 in the US as the new variant NB.1.8.1 surfaces, showing evidence of higher transmissibility. It's a descendant of the omicron variant, derived from XDV.1.5.1, and has mutations that enhance its binding to human cells and may help it evade some immune protections. The World Health Organization has designated it a variant under monitoring. Preliminary data indicates that NB.1.8.1 currently accounts for 37% of COVID-19 cases in the US, increasing from 15%, which raises alarms despite the vaccination's expected effectiveness against it.
While the new variant NB.1.8.1 has an infectious advantage, it does not seem to lead to more severe disease, and existing vaccines should remain effective.
Experts remain vigilant as a summer wave could emerge in the US due to waning immunity among the population and the rise of the new variant NB.1.8.1.
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