Cabinet
By Mpho Moloi
Cabinet has assured South Africans that government, through the Department of Health, is closely monitoring the emergence of a new COVID‑19 variant, known as Nimbus or NB.1.8.1. Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni briefed media in Cape Town on Thursday, urging citizens to maintain good hygiene, avoid unnecessary hand‑shaking, wash hands thoroughly with soap, cover mouths when coughing, wear masks if experiencing flu‑like symptoms, and stay home when unwell—all proven measures that helped reduce respiratory illnesses during earlier stages of the pandemic.
⸻
What Is Nimbus NB.1.8.1 and Where Has It Emerged?
Emerging in January 2025, Nimbus NB.1.8.1 is a sub‑variant of Omicron, first detected in travellers from East Asia and Europe  . It has since quietly spread to over 20 countries, including China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, India, Bangladesh, Australia, the UK, the US, Canada, Europe and Egypt . In Asia, NB.1.8.1 has become the dominant strain in countries like China and Hong Kong .
Designation and Surveillance
The World Health Organisation (WHO) designated NB.1.8.1 as a “Variant Under Monitoring” on 23 May 2025, based on its spread and spike protein mutations that may enhance transmissibility and partial immune evasion . Genomic data submitted to GISAID show NB.1.8.1 rose from 2.5% to 10.7% of global SARS‑CoV‑2 sequences between late March and late April 2025 .
⸻
Key Mutations and Virology: Why the Concern?
NB.1.8.1 carries notable spike‑protein mutations—T22N, F59S, G184S, A435S, V445H and T478I—which are linked to tighter binding to the ACE2 receptor, likely boosting transmissibility, and reducing neutralisation by certain antibodies .
Laboratory models show NB.1.8.1 pseudovirus:
• Binds ACE2 more strongly than many Omicron lineages,
• Infects cells efficiently in vitro,
• Exhibits a 1.5–1.6‑fold reduction in neutralisation compared with prior variants, indicating moderate immune evasion .
Nevertheless, there is no current evidence of increased severity, hospitalisations, ICU admissions or deaths linked to NB.1.8.1 compared to earlier Omicron descendants .
⸻
Clinical Symptoms: Razor‑Blade Throat and More
A striking feature of NB.1.8.1 is its “razor‑blade throat”—a very painful sore throat described as feeling like swallowing glass . Other common symptoms include nasal congestion, mild cough, fever, fatigue, muscle aches, hoarseness, and in some cases mild digestive symptoms like nausea or diarrhoea .
Although intense throat pain is headline‑making, sore throat has been a common feature in up to 70% of COVID infections . Digestive upset (nausea, diarrhoea) and hoarseness are also reported in countries like Singapore and India .
Managing Symptoms
Health experts recommend:
• Warm fluids, throat lozenges, saltwater gargles,
• OTC pain relief (paracetamol, ibuprofen),
• Rest, hydration, soft foods, honey‑lemon teas,
• Masks and isolation to curb spread; seek medical advice if symptoms persist or breathing issues arise   .
⸻
Global Spread and Context
NB.1.8.1 is now detected in over 22 countries, including holiday hotspots like the Maldives, Thailand, Egypt, Ireland, the UK, US and parts of Europe . Some Asian nations have seen significant surges—for example, Thailand reported more than 257 000 cases and 52 related deaths in areas like Bangkok and Chonburi .
Despite these numbers, WHO currently assesses the global public health risk as low, with no indication of increased severity .
⸻
South Africa: Sentinel Surveillance and Public Health Advice
Low Current COVID Activity
South Africa’s NICD sentinel surveillance—testing for SARS‑CoV‑2, influenza and RSV—shows very low COVID activity, even while influenza cases are rising with winter . NB.1.8.1 has not yet been detected in SA (as of 10 June), though limited sequencing coverage is a caveat .
Surveillance Systems
According to Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, South Africa’s surveillance infrastructure is robust. The NICD’s sentinel programme systematically monitors key respiratory viruses, enabling early detection of emerging threats .
Advice from Cabinet
Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni emphasised simple, effective hygiene steps:
• No unnecessary hand‑shaking,
• Wash hands with soap and water,
• Cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing,
• Wear a mask if unwell,
• Stay home when sick   .
During the initial COVID‑19 pandemic, these actions significantly reduced transmission of respiratory illnesses—an achievement South Africa can replicate now .
⸻
Vaccines and Treatment: Still Effective
Even with immune‑evasion mutations, existing COVID‑19 vaccines remain effective in preventing severe illness from NB.1.8.1 . WHO vaccine advisers reaffirm current formulations (JN.1, KP.2, LP.8.1) are still suitable against this variant .
Additionally, antivirals such as nirmatrelvir (Paxlovid) are expected to remain effective—NB.1.8.1 has no known mutations that reduce their potency .
⸻
International Health Expert Guidance
• WHO continues to monitor NB.1.8.1’s growth, antibody‑evasion traits, and clinical impact—while maintaining low global risk assessment .
• Virologist Lara Herrero (Griffith University) notes NB.1.8.1 binds more efficiently to ACE2, supporting its transmissibility .
• UCSF’s Dr Peter Chin‑Hong points out that although the sore‑throat symptom is striking, it’s not unique to NB.1.8.1—throat pain was common in earlier waves .
• Dr Naveed Asif (London GP) said WHO continues to judge the risk as low and emphasised vaccines still guard well against severe outcomes .
⸻
Why This Matters Now: Summer Surge Risks
Many countries are entering warmer months. Health experts warn of possible summer surges of NB.1.8.1, thanks to its transmissibility, even with mild or atypical symptoms circulating undetected . It’s vital not to let down our guard:
• Vaccines should remain up to date—especially for vulnerable people, children and pregnant women .
• Mask‑waring in public indoors and crowded places.
• Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette.
• Self‑isolation when symptomatic.
• Ventilation in indoor spaces.
• Symptom awareness—including sore throat, hoarseness, nasal congestion, mild fever and digestive upset.
• Seek medical attention for persistent or worsening symptoms, especially breathing difficulties .
⸻
Implications for South Africa
South Africa has entered autumn/winter, a period typically featuring Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), influenza, and occasionally COVID‑19 waves. While SA currently has low SARS‑CoV‑2 activity, influenza is already rising .
South Africa’s strengths include:
1. Capable surveillance via NICD sentinel sites.
2. Effective public health messaging, led by Cabinet and Department of Health.
3. Access to vaccines and established distribution channels.
4. Community awareness and adaptability—key to sustaining simple hygiene measures.
Minister Motsoaledi has called on health leaders gathered at the G20 Health Working Group in Johannesburg to foster global solidarity, support local vaccine production and expand regional health security  .
🔴 Central News Special Edition | Issue 109 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: Rand Water Completes Massive Maintenance Project Ahead of Schedule, Boosting Water Supply Across Gauteng and Beyond
Download Here:
Direct PDF Link:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Central-News-Issue-109.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube