United States: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found several cases of the COVID-19 variant NB.1.8.1, which has been linked to a rise in COVID-19 numbers in China.
An official from the CDC said the findings were correct, adding that because of the small number of cases, the strain did not appear on the COVID Data Tracker.
More about the news
“There have been fewer than 20 sequences of NB.1.8.1 in the U.S. baseline surveillance data to date, so it has not met the threshold for inclusion in the COVID Data Tracker dashboard,” as per the CDC spokesperson, Fox News reported.
“We monitor all SARS-CoV-2 sequences, and if it increases in proportion, it will appear on the Data Tracker dashboard,” he continued.
CBS News claims the CDC found the cases by screening travelers at airports, though a CDC spokesperson did not say the same to Fox News Digital.
🇺🇸U.S. reports cases of new COVID variant NB.1.8.1 behind surge in China.
— Denis – The COVID info guy – (@BigBadDenis) May 23, 2025
The CDC's airport screening has detected the new COVID-19 variant NB.1.8.1, tied to a surge in China, in travelers arriving in California, Washington, Virginia, and the NYC area.https://t.co/2HAHz79RuV pic.twitter.com/NFXxmdnabr
While the CDC found the new variant in the U.S., emergency room visits for influenza, COVID, and RSV are at their lowest this year since May 23, according to the agency.
The CDC forecasts that our nation’s emergency departments are predicted to maintain their current low levels of activity for COVID and influenza in the following two weeks.
Based on the CDC’s map, most states are currently reporting either slight or low levels of COVID-19 through wastewater (sewage) tests. Data shows that no other state has as much viral activity as South Dakota does.
Fox News added that the COVID-19 NB.1.8.1 variant appears to be responsible for many new cases in China and Hong Kong.
Last month, Hong Kong officials called on the public, especially those more at risk, to use surgical masks. The statement also said that so far, there is no evidence NB.1.8.1 is worse than other COVID-19 variants.