U.S. reports cases of new COVID variant NB.1.8.1 behind surge in China
CBSMAY 14
New COVID Variant Hits US, Spreads Across Multiple Countries
Above: A person wears a protective mask during the surge of COVID-19 in Kolkata, India, on May 25, 2025. Image copyright: Sudipta Das/Contributor/NurPhoto via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
This emergence of NB.1.8.1 is a genuine cause for concern, given its rapid global spread and dominance in China. Travelers from nine countries are showing up at airports across multiple U.S. states, demonstrating how quickly this strain is moving internationally. It's essential to act promptly to minimize the risk of serious complications, or even a rise in fatalities.
Narrative B
The evidence suggests the NB.1.8.1 variant doesn't pose a significantly greater threat than previous strains, and there's no indication it causes more severe symptoms than other recent COVID-19 variants. There is no need to panic as the World Health Organization maintains its low-risk assessment, especially as current vaccines are expected to remain effective against serious illness.