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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.
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Surveillance of the NB.1.8.1 variant (9/12)
The surveillance of this variant by the WHO has revived memories of the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, the origin of which remains uncertain. Global health authorities are calling for vigilance, while reminding that current vaccines are still an effective defense against severe forms of the disease.
