NB.1.8.1: Omicron Subvariant’s Rise in US COVID-19 Cases
NB.1.8.1: Omicron Subvariant’s Rise in US COVID-19 Cases CDC data indicates that the Omicron subvariant NB.1.8.1 now accounts for approximately 37% of US COVID-19 cases, rivaling the current dominant strain LP.8.1 (38%). While NB.1.8.1’s global prevalence is around 25%, its rapid increase since its initial detection in late January raises concerns about a potential summer surge. However, current US hospitalization and death rates remain low, and the test positivity rate is only slightly elevated. Although NB.1.8.1 doesn’t appear to cause…