> Fast-spreading new Covid variant with unusual symptoms detected in Northern Ireland

NB.1.8.1 has been officially designated a 'variant under monitoring' by the WHO due to its rapid rise and the potential to evade immunity from previous infections or vaccines. It's already the dominant strain in Hong Kong and China, and has been detected in Australia, the US and across popular holiday destinations including Egypt, Thailand and the Maldives.

Experts say NB.1.8.1 carries multiple mutations that "may infect cells more efficiently than earlier strains".

https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/fast-spreading-new-covid-variant-31767984