France detects new COVID-19 variant NB.1.8.1 for the first time
France has identified four cases of the NB.1.8.1 COVID-19 variant, confirmed by the National Reference Center in Lyon, Anadolu Agency reported.
Virologist Bruno Lina noted cases were found both in hospitals and the community. The European CDC reported that since April, NB.1.8.1 has also appeared in Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain, and Sweden.
Dominant in China and spreading in parts of Asia, this variant has led to increased cases and hospitalizations in Hong Kong and Taiwan. While not causing more severe illness, authorities recommend mask use in crowded areas and boosting vaccine and treatment availability. Early research indicates NB.1.8.1 is more transmissible due to stronger binding to human cells but does not significantly evade immunity.
