Increase in positive test rates in Hong Kong (5/12)
The percentage of respiratory samples testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 in Hong Kong has doubled in one month, from 6.21% to 13.66%. In addition, the viral load in wastewater has almost doubled, reaching 710,000 copies/litre. Despite these alarming numbers, there is no indication at this time that NB.1.8.1 causes more severe forms of the disease.
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Identification of the NB.1.8.1 variant in France and the United States (6/12)
In France, the variant has been identified four times, according to the National Reference Center in Lyon. In the United States, travelers from European countries, including France, tested positive between the end of April and mid-May. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has not yet placed the variant under surveillance, but is monitoring its evolution closely.
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Low risk to public health but increased transmissibility (7/12)
According to the WHO, the additional risk to public health posed by NB.1.8.1 is considered low globally. Nevertheless, the mutations observed could increase its transmissibility, which requires further studies. Scientists are concerned that these mutations could reduce the effectiveness of antibodies and promote immune evasion.
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Rapid growth of the NB.1.8.1 variant (8/12)
Virologist Bruno Lina explained that the variant could have a growth advantage, as it penetrates cells faster and reproduces more efficiently. These characteristics could make NB.1.8.1 the dominant variant in the future, although more research is needed to confirm these hypotheses.
