New COVID Variant ‘Nimbus’ Linked to Severe Sore Throat as Summer Cases Tick Up
A newly emerging COVID-19 variant, officially designated NB.1.8.1 and nicknamed “Nimbus,” is drawing increasing attention from public health officials and medical experts as it spreads across the globe. First identified in early 2025, the variant has now been detected in over 20 countries, including the United States, where it is contributing to a subtle yet noticeable rise in summer COVID-19 cases.
The World Health Organization classified NB.1.8.1 as a “variant under monitoring” in late May, signaling concern over its potential to spread more easily or evade some immune responses. While there is currently no indication that Nimbus causes more severe disease than previous Omicron subvariants, it has introduced a particularly painful symptom that is getting wide attention: a sore throat so intense that some patients have described it as feeling like swallowing razor blades or glass.
Health professionals note that sore throat has long been a common COVID-19 symptom, particularly in Omicron infections, but the level of discomfort reported in recent cases infected with Nimbus is more pronounced. Alongside this severe throat pain, typical symptoms such as congestion, fatigue, cough, headache, and fever remain prevalent. Some patients have also reported gastrointestinal upset, though these cases appear less common.
Genetically, NB.1.8.1 contains several spike protein mutations that experts believe may increase its transmissibility and potentially reduce the effectiveness of some neutralizing antibodies. Despite these mutations, existing COVID-19 vaccines, including the updated 2024–2025 booster shots, are still expected to offer strong protection against severe illness and hospitalization. Vaccine makers and public health authorities have reiterated the importance of staying current with vaccinations, particularly for high-risk individuals such as the elderly, immunocompromised patients, and pregnant people.
In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that NB.1.8.1 now makes up approximately 37% of sequenced cases, putting it nearly on par with the LP.8.1 strain, which stands at 38%. While overall case numbers remain relatively low, states like California and some regions on the East Coast have reported a modest uptick in infections and hospital visits. Increased summer travel and large gatherings could further fuel the spread of this variant in the coming weeks.
Medical experts are urging the public to remain cautious. Although pandemic-era restrictions are largely gone, common-sense health practices such as staying home when sick, wearing masks in crowded indoor spaces, and taking rapid tests if symptomatic continue to play an important role in slowing transmission. Doctors also emphasize that the use of at-home tests, while helpful, may be slightly less sensitive to detecting early Nimbus infections. If symptoms persist and tests return negative, a follow-up test or consultation with a healthcare provider is advised.
Though there’s currently no cause for panic, the appearance and spread of the Nimbus variant serve as a reminder that the COVID-19 virus is still evolving and capable of disrupting health patterns. With the fall season approaching a period often associated with higher respiratory infection rates public health agencies will be closely monitoring how NB.1.8.1 behaves in the coming months.
For now, individuals are encouraged to stay informed, remain up to date on vaccinations, and be attentive to symptoms, especially the signature razor-sharp sore throat, which may be an early sign of infection with this new variant.
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