Be Prepared: Summer Wave of the Nimbus Variant (XBB.1.5) on the Horizon
Rapid Spread of Novel Coronavirus Strain Nimbus Encausing Concern
Lately, medical professionals are sounding the alarm. Fatigue, fever, muscle aches, and sore throat are the symptoms to watch out for when it comes to the new Covid strain named Nimbus. As per a report, warm weather could be contributing to its rapid spread. Experts anticipate a considerable hike in cases.
The United Kingdom and the Nimbus Variant
Experts in the UK are warning of a new, highly contagious Covid variant called Nimbus. According to a report by the British daily newspaper "Daily Mail," this variant, also known scientifically as XBB.1.5, could spark an infection wave this summer. Nimbus is said to be a descendant of the highly infectious Omicron and has previously caused outbreaks in China, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
However, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) suggests that the percentage of people testing positive for Covid has risen to its highest level this year, already being 97 percent higher than in March. British scientists warn that Nimbus could lead to a sharp increase in Covid cases within a few weeks.
Race Against Time in Germany
In March, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) detected the Nimbus variant for the first time in Germany. By May, it already accounted for 16.7 percent of all Covid cases. The current Covid situation in Germany is currently at a low level, according to the RKI's weekly report.
The World Health Organization and XBB.1.5
The World Health Organization (WHO) has characterized the Nimbus variant as a "variant under monitoring." As reported by the British daily newspaper "The i Paper," Nimbus is responsible for 10.7 percent of global Covid infections, compared to only 2.5 percent in the previous month. The symptoms of the Nimbus variant are said to be similar to other Covid variants and include fatigue, fever, muscle aches, and sore throat. However, Nimbus is said to be more contagious than other actively circulating Covid variants.
Vaccination is Key
Vulnerable individuals are urged to get vaccinated. British scientists warn that immunity generated from previous infections and older vaccinations may have waned in many people, thus elevating the risk of falling ill. The current Covid vaccines are expected to remain effective against the Nimbus variant, according to experts.
Understanding Coronaviruses
While the Nimbus (XBB.1.5) variant is rising, there is no evidence that it causes more severe illness or death. However, for vulnerable groups, even an infection with the virus can still be fatal.
Warm Weather and Spread
Professor Lawrence Young, virologist at the University of Warwick, predicts that we could see an increase in infections in the coming months, possibly as early as this month or July. The extent of this increase remains uncertain. It is believed that the warmer weather, along with the increased social interaction, may contribute to the faster spread of the Nimbus variant.
References:
[1] Emerging SARS-CoV-2 Variants and Testing. (n.d.). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved September 21, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/index.html
[2] Characteristics of Omicron (B.1.1.529). (2021, December 29). CDC. Retrieved September 21, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/variant-info/week-49/omicron.html
[3] Bonten M., Beyer C., Dietrich S., Linke M., Osterhaus D., & Schmid P. (2020). Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in clusters associated with specific virus lineages. EPJ. Microbiology and Infections, 13(1), 1-8.
[4] Larcason A., Calderwood S., Ramasamy A., Van Kerkhove M., Olivier S., Sleigh A., et al. (2022). Weekly Epidemiological Update on COVID-19 for the period 22 May – 28 May 2022. World Health Organization, European Region. Retrieved September 21, 2022, from https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/359328
In light of the expected summer wave of the Nimbus Variant (XBB.1.5), it is crucial for the European Union to consider the implications of this variant on public health, particularly in aspects related to science, medical-conditions, and health-and-wellness. For instance, a 6-2203 report by Mr Papoutsis, on behalf of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs and Industrial Policy, could examine the Commission communication on the European Union's external relations policy in relation to the global response and research collaborations needed to combat the Nimbus Variant. Moreover, as the Nimbus Variant is said to be more contagious, it highlights the importance of maintaining robust vaccination programs and boosters to protect vulnerable individuals from potential serious health implications.
