A new form of the covid-19 virus, nicknamed “nimbus” and known scientifically as NB.1.8.1, is now circulating widely. This descendant of the Omicron variant has captured attention due to reports of an unusually painful symptom: a severe sore throat described by some as feeling like swallowing “razor blades.” While this symptom is notable, health authorities and experts are working to understand the variant fully and assess its overall impact. This guide provides essential information on what we currently know about the Nimbus variant, its symptoms, spread, and the level of concern it presents.
What is the Nimbus COVID Variant (NB.1.8.1)?
The variant officially designated NB.1.8.1 is a relatively new lineage of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It is derived from a recombinant variant known as XVD.1.5.1, which itself emerged from the broader Omicron family of variants. First detected in a sample collected in China on January 22, the NB.1.8.1 variant was initially found in parts of Asia before spreading to Europe and eventually the United States. The popular nickname “Nimbus” emerged on social media as a simpler way to refer to the technical designation NB.1.8.1.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is actively tracking NB.1.8.1. The WHO has classified this variant as a “variant under monitoring.” This classification indicates that it is being closely watched due to characteristics that might pose a future risk. However, it is not currently considered as serious as a “variant of interest” or “variant of concern.” As of now, the global public health risk level posed by the Nimbus variant is assessed as low.
How is the Nimbus Variant Spreading?
The Nimbus variant has shown rapid spread since its initial detection. It has now been identified in at least 22 countries globally. In the United States, NB.1.8.1 is circulating widely and represents a significant percentage of current COVID-19 cases. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the week ending June 7, the variant accounted for approximately 37% of cases, making it a dominant, or in some reports, the second most dominant, variant in the U.S.
The variant has been reported in at least 17 U.S. states. These states include California, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Arizona, Illinois, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Ohio, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Michigan, Colorado, Nebraska, Texas, and Utah. It is important to note that this list may not be exhaustive and the variant’s presence is likely wider as testing and sequencing efforts continue. Detection has also occurred through airport screening in travelers arriving from regions where the variant was surging globally.
Some experts, like Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease specialist, suggest that Nimbus might be more transmissible. This potential increase in transmissibility could be linked to changes in its spike protein structure. The spike protein is what the virus uses to attach to and infect human cells, specifically the ACE2 receptors. A more efficient binding ability could explain faster spread. Despite its increasing prevalence, the variant does not currently appear to be driving major increases in overall case numbers or hospitalizations in the U.S., with rates remaining stable according to some observations. However, vigilance remains important as local trends can vary.
Understanding Nimbus Symptoms: The ‘Razor Blade Throat’
As a descendant of the Omicron variant, Nimbus generally presents with symptoms similar to those of other prevalent COVID-19 strains. However, a symptom that has gained particular attention is a severe sore throat. Patients infected with Nimbus have described this symptom as exceptionally painful, sometimes comparing it to the sensation of swallowing “razor blades.” This particularly harsh sore throat has been noted in reports from doctors in the United Kingdom, India, and other regions.
While the “razor blade throat” is a notable reported symptom, experts are currently uncertain if it is truly unique to the Nimbus variant or simply within the wide spectrum of sore throat severity seen with COVID-19 infections. Sore throat is a common symptom reported by roughly 70% of all COVID patients. It is also not yet clear if the severity of the sore throat is linked to a person’s vaccination status.
Beyond the potentially severe sore throat, the Nimbus variant can cause a range of other common COVID-19 symptoms. These symptoms are similar to those experienced with previous variants.
Common symptoms of the Nimbus variant may include:
Body aches
Congestion
Cough
Fatigue
Fever or chills
Headache
Loss of smell
Loss of taste
Runny nose
Shortness of breath (though less common than with earlier strains)
Sore throat (potentially very severe)
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
If you experience any of these symptoms, particularly the sudden onset of a severe sore throat, it is recommended to get tested for COVID-19.
Severity and Risk Assessment
Current evidence suggests that the Nimbus variant does not cause more severe disease or illness compared to other COVID-19 variants presently circulating. This assessment is based on observations and data reviewed by health authorities like the World Health Organization. While some countries have reported increases in overall COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations recently, the WHO has not found data to directly link an increase in severity specifically to the Nimbus variant itself. The WHO maintains its assessment of low global public health risk for this variant.
Importantly, current COVID-19 vaccines are expected to provide continued protection. Health experts anticipate that existing vaccines will remain effective against the Nimbus variant, particularly in preventing severe illness and hospitalization. Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of preventive medicine, reiterated that while Nimbus doesn’t seem inherently more severe, individuals at high risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes remain vulnerable to infection and complications from any variant.
Even if a variant does not cause increased severity on average, contracting COVID-19 can still be a debilitating experience. It can lead to missed work or school, potential spread to more vulnerable individuals, and the risk of developing Long COVID symptoms. Therefore, maintaining vigilance and taking appropriate precautions remains important for public health.
Protecting Yourself and Others from Nimbus
Protecting yourself and others from the Nimbus variant involves using the same public health measures recommended for previous COVID-19 strains. Staying informed about local transmission levels is key to making informed decisions about personal risk.
Key protective measures include:
Vaccination: Staying up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccination is a primary defense against severe illness. Most adults are recommended to get an updated 2024-2025 vaccine. Individuals at higher risk for severe outcomes should follow specific CDC guidance, which may include getting vaccinated twice a year. Consult a healthcare provider regarding vaccination recommendations for children.
Hygiene: Regular hand-washing and covering coughs and sneezes help reduce virus transmission.
Testing: If you develop symptoms consistent with COVID-19, use an at-home rapid test or seek PCR testing. Testing helps confirm infection and allows for appropriate isolation to prevent further spread. Rapid at-home tests are considered effective for detecting current COVID-19 infections.
Ventilation: Improving air circulation in indoor spaces can reduce virus concentration. This can be as simple as opening windows when possible.
Masking: Wearing masks in crowded indoor settings or during periods of high transmission can add an extra layer of protection, especially for vulnerable individuals.
- Avoid Crowds: During surges, minimizing time in crowded, poorly ventilated spaces can lower your risk of exposure.
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These measures collectively contribute to reducing the spread of not only the Nimbus variant but also other respiratory illnesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key symptoms of the new Nimbus COVID variant, especially the “razor blade throat”?
The Nimbus variant (NB.1.8.1) causes symptoms generally similar to other COVID-19 infections, including body aches, congestion, cough, fatigue, fever, headache, runny nose, and potential loss of taste or smell. However, a particularly notable symptom reported by some patients is an extremely painful sore throat, which has been nicknamed “razor blade throat” due to its severity. While this specific severity has been highlighted, experts are still assessing if this symptom is uniquely tied to Nimbus or part of the wider spectrum of sore throat experienced with various COVID strains.
Where has the Nimbus COVID variant been detected in the United States?
The Nimbus variant (NB.1.8.1) is widely circulating in the United States and accounts for a significant percentage of current cases. As of recent reports, it has been identified in at least 17 U.S. states, including California, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Arizona, Illinois, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Ohio, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Michigan, Colorado, Nebraska, Texas, and Utah. It is also being detected through airport screenings in travelers arriving from affected global regions.
How severe is the Nimbus variant compared to previous COVID strains, and how effective are current vaccines?
Current health assessments indicate that the Nimbus variant (NB.1.8.1) does not appear to cause more severe illness or disease compared to other COVID-19 variants currently circulating. The World Health Organization classifies it as a “variant under monitoring” with a low global public health risk. Experts expect current COVID-19 vaccines to remain effective in protecting individuals against severe illness, hospitalization, and death from the Nimbus variant, similar to their effectiveness against other strains.
Conclusion
The emergence and rapid spread of the Nimbus COVID-19 variant (NB.1.8.1) highlight the ongoing evolution of the virus. While the reported “razor blade throat” symptom is a point of clinical interest, the overall risk assessment by global health authorities remains low, and the variant does not appear to cause more severe disease than its predecessors. Existing vaccines continue to offer protection against severe outcomes. Staying informed and continuing to practice recommended public health measures, including vaccination and testing when symptomatic, remain the most effective ways to mitigate the impact of this and other circulating variants. As the situation evolves, health authorities like the CDC and WHO will continue to monitor Nimbus and provide updated guidance.
