A fresh wave of concern has emerged as the NB.1.8.1 strain of COVID-19, now widespread in China, has made its way into the United States via international travelers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) uncovered the cases through its airport surveillance initiative, detecting infections in passengers landing in Washington, California, Virginia, and the New York area. The variant was identified in travelers arriving from countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, and France, during screenings conducted between April 22 and May 12.

Separate from these airport-related cases, isolated NB.1.8.1 infections have also surfaced in US states including Ohio, Hawaii, and Rhode Island. This particular mutation, which falls under the JN.1 lineage, is reportedly more contagious than its predecessors. However, early assessments suggest it does not cause severe disease, and many available vaccines continue to offer protection.

Despite its growing international footprint, NB.1.8.1 has not yet gained significant ground in the US. Fewer than 20 sequences have been logged in national genomic tracking so far, meaning it hasn’t met the criteria for the CDC’s COVID Data Tracker.

Alongside NB.1.8.1, US officials are observing another emerging variant, known as XFC, which appears to be spreading within the country.

Even though infection levels are comparatively low, COVID-19 continues to claim lives—averaging around 350 deaths each week. Experts point to reduced booster coverage, declining immunity, and limited access to treatments as contributing factors.