COVID-19 variant NB.1.8.1 monitored as cases rise across Eastern Mediterranean region

Ahram Online highlights the increase in COVID-19 activity in Egypt and the Eastern Mediterranean region, primarily due to a monitored variant that does not pose greater health risks than existing strains.

Dr Ashraf Hofi, a pulmonology consultant in Cairo, spoke to Ahram Online (AO) about the nature of the current COVID-19 wave affecting Egypt.

"We are seeing a mild uptick in respiratory infections, mostly attributable to the NB.1.8.1 variant," he explained.

"While hospitalizations remain low, it is crucial that vulnerable individuals remain cautious and that the public continues to follow preventive measures. The virus is evolving, but at this stage, the situation is manageable with existing healthcare resources," he told AO.

For further clarification, the WHO issued the following Q&A on Monday to highlight the situation.

Is there an increase in COVID-19 cases and deaths in the Eastern Mediterranean region currently?

COVID-19 cases are increasing worldwide, including in the Eastern Mediterranean region.

The virus will continue to mutate and evolve, resulting in new variants that may cause surging trends.

The current increases are caused by NB.1.8.1, a variant under monitoring that does not pose any additional health risks compared to other variants circulating.

Therefore, these increases remain consistent with the levels observed in 2024, indicating no sudden, abnormal, or unexpected virus activity.

So far, the treatments needed by hospitals and intensive care are minimal.

How does WHO assess the situation?

Since COVID-19 transmission continues considerably in many areas, WHO's latest risk assessment remains high.

Until an updated risk assessment is released, WHO reiterates its recommendations to countries to continue monitoring and reporting COVID-19 activity and burden, as well as the impact on public health and the healthcare system.

Based on the current risk assessment of this event, WHO advises against imposing travel or trade restrictions.

How do I protect myself?

Help keep yourself and everyone safe from COVID-19, flu, and other respiratory illnesses.

Avoid crowds and keep a safe distance from others.

Wear a mask if you feel sick, have been close to sick people, are at high risk, or are in crowded or poorly ventilated areas. Clean your hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.

Cover your mouth and nose with a bent elbow or tissue when coughing or sneezing.

Dispose of used tissues right away and clean your hands.

If you develop symptoms, self-isolate until you recover.

Get vaccinated and stay up to date with booster doses.

Are COVID-19 vaccines effective against the NB.1.8.1 variant?

Currently approved vaccines are effective against this variant, meaning they help prevent severe disease and death.

What is WHO's advice to countries?

WHO advises all countries to remain vigilant and continue applying a risk-based, integrated approach to managing COVID-19.

WHO released an updated package of recommendations in December 2024 to help countries develop evidence-based policies for managing COVID-19 transmission, particularly in high-risk and vulnerable populations, and to reduce morbidity, mortality, and long-term complications.

These recommendations include the following:

- Maintaining effective collaborative surveillance systems for early detection, variant monitoring, and disease burden assessment;

- Ensuring continued equitable access to and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines, particularly among high-risk groups, guided by national immunisation strategies aligned with WHO recommendations;

- Strengthening healthcare delivery systems to ensure high-quality clinical management of COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 conditions;

- Enhancing risk communication and community engagement to empower people to make informed decisions and counter misinformation.

From : Al-Ahram