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New Covid-19 subvariant detected in India: Here’s what you should know

It is more contagious but symptoms are still mild, says expert.

A teacher of Gurukul School of Art makes an awareness painting of COVID 19, in Mumbai on Wednesday. (ANI Photo)

As various states report a surge in cases of Covid-19, at least one sample of a new subvariant, NB.1.8.1, has been detected in India. This was collected and sequenced in April. The sample has been submitted to India’s Covid-19 genome sequencing consortium INSACOG from Tamil Nadu.

Most of the Sar-CoV-2 samples sequenced in India over the last couple of weeks were BA.2 and JN.1 variants. Recent media reports have highlighted an increase in Covid-19 cases in Singapore and Hong Kong in the last few weeks. As per the preliminary information available, the cases are mostly mild, not associated with unusual severity or mortality.

What is NB.1.8.1?

The World Health Organisation’s Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution has designated the Sars-CoV-2 variant NB.1.8.1 as ‘Variant Under Monitoring’ — a variant with significant changes in virus characteristics but whose epidemiological impact remains unclear.

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The variant is derived from a recombinant ancestor XDV.1.5.1, with the earliest samples reported from January 22, 2025. This variant carries six mutations in the spike protein as compared to the currently circulating LP 8.1 and eight mutations as compared to JN.1. Some of these mutations are known to be linked to increased affinity to the human receptors which could increase its transmission, and a reduction in neutralisation, which could result in the virus evading existing immunity more effectively.

As of May 18, there were 518 NB.1.8.1 sequences submitted to the global Covid-19 genome sequence database from 22 countries, representing 10.7 per cent of the globally available sequences.

Do we need to worry?

“This is also a sub-lineage of the Omicron variant and does not appear to be lethal. So far, there is no sign that NB.1.8.1 causes more severe illness than previous strains. But it binds to human cells faster. Early research from China suggests the variant binds more effectively to human cells, which could make it more contagious than its predecessors. Hence it is more easily transmissible,” says Dr Jatin Ahuja, infectious disease specialist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Delhi.

Although we do not have a specific vaccine for this sub-variant, he says, the Omicron wave not too long ago can give us some protection. “Past infection can still trigger memory T cells which can sense the similarity of the virus and can limit disease severity,” says Dr Ahuja.

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Symptoms too are similar like sore throat, cough and fever, all akin to symptoms of flu-like illnesses. Just rest, hydrate yourself, self-isolate and take antivirals. Those with co-morbidities need to mask up and be more hygiene-conscious.

How prepared is India?

The Director General of Health Services (DGHS) has found the current Covid-19 situation in India to be under control. Almost all of the cases so far have been mild, with no hospitalization required. A robust system for surveillance of respiratory viral illnesses, including Covid-19, also exists in the country through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and ICMR. The Health Ministry remains vigilant and proactive in monitoring the situation closely.

Anonna Dutt

Anonna Dutt is a Principal Correspondent who writes primarily on health at the Indian Express. She reports on myriad topics ranging from the growing burden of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension to the problems with pervasive infectious conditions. She reported on the government’s management of the Covid-19 pandemic and closely followed the vaccination programme. Her stories have resulted in the city government investing in high-end tests for the poor and acknowledging errors in their official reports. Dutt also takes a keen interest in the country’s space programme and has written on key missions like Chandrayaan 2 and 3, Aditya L1, and Gaganyaan. She was among the first batch of eleven media fellows with RBM Partnership to End Malaria. She was also selected to participate in the short-term programme on early childhood reporting at Columbia University’s Dart Centre. Dutt has a Bachelor’s Degree from the Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, Pune and a PG Diploma from the Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. She started her reporting career with the Hindustan Times. When not at work, she tries to appease the Duolingo owl with her French skills and sometimes takes to the dance floor. ... Read More

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