Archive · 2 Jun 2025
WHO Reports COVID-19 Rise; New Variant Detected
COVID-19 cases are increasing in some parts of the world.
A new version of the virus, named NB.1.8.1, is being watched.
The WHO says the risk to people's health is low overall, and the current vaccines should still work well.
This variant has been found in travelers.
The main COVID-19 variant circulating globally is LP.8.1, which is the most common version of the virus worldwide.
WHO reports rising COVID-19 cases in eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and western Pacific regions.
New variant NB.1.8.1 detected in travelers to the US.
The new variant NB.1.8.1 accounts for nearly 11% of sequenced samples.
WHO considers the public health risk of NB.1.8.1 low globally, with existing vaccines expected to remain effective.
The LP.8.1 variant is currently the dominant version globally.
- Who
- World Health Organization (WHO).
- What
- Rising COVID-19 cases and the emergence of the NB.1.8.1 variant.
- When
- As of May 28, 2025, and ongoing.
- Where
- Eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, western Pacific regions, and US.
- Why
- To understand the spread of COVID-19 and its new variants.
- New Variant
- NB.1.8.1
- Regions with Rising Cases
- Eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, western Pacific
- Public Health Risk (NB.1.8.1)
- Low globally
- Dominant Variant
- LP.8.1
Sources
WHO flags 11% Covid-19 positivity rate with new variant gaining ground
Manage COVID spike with risk-based, integrated approach: WHO advises member states
Covid-19 cases rising: What is the status of India's vaccine stockpile?
