South Africa Monitoring New “Nimbus” COVID Variant NB.1.8.1
By Thobeka Makume
South Africa is closely monitoring the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant known as “Nimbus” or NB.1.8.1, linked to rising cases in parts of Asia, Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi announced at the fourth G20 Health Working Group meeting in Johannesburg.
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📈 What Is NB.1.8.1 (“Nimbus”) and Why It Matters
The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified NB.1.8.1 as a variant under monitoring, reflecting its expanding presence in multiple countries . The strain stems from the Omicron lineage and was first identified in January, spreading quickly across China, Hong Kong, the United States, Australia, and now parts of Asia and Europe .
Recent case surges in India and rising infections in Thailand, Indonesia and China have heightened global alertness . In the UK, the Health Security Agency confirmed 13 new cases this week .
Virologists caution that NB.1.8.1 appears to transmit more easily, thanks to modifications in its spike protein that enhance binding to human cells—but there is currently no indication that it causes more severe disease .
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🇿🇦 South Africa’s Response and Readiness
Dr Motsoaledi assured the G20 delegation that South Africa maintains “robust surveillance systems” through the National Institute for Communicable Diseases’ (NICD) sentinel programme, which regularly tests for COVID‑19, flu, and RSV .
He confirmed that current SARS‑CoV‑2 activity remains low in South Africa, though a seasonal increase in influenza is underway. He emphasised that there is no need for new public health restrictions at present .
Since NB.1.8.1 continues to descend from Omicron, existing vaccine recommendations remain valid, and no specialised booster is required at this stage .
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✔️ Public Advice and Safety Measures
Dr Motsoaledi reiterated key public health guidance: wash hands regularly, cover coughs, stay home when sick, and practise responsible hygiene. These basic steps help mitigate the spread of all respiratory viruses .
South Africa will continue monitoring the new variant closely through its strong health networks and promptly report any significant epidemiological changes .
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🛡️ G20 Health Working Group Focus
Dr Motsoaledi urged G20 members to act with “renewed urgency and unwavering resolve”, advocating for global solidarity and equity in health .
The week-long meeting, which started Tuesday and concludes Friday, brings together health ministers, officials and experts. Key discussions include:
• Lessons learned from the COVID‑19 pandemic.
• Tackling access issues in low- and middle-income countries.
• Boosting local manufacturing, especially in Africa.
• Driving forward vaccine and pandemic-response preparedness through shared technology and financing.
These deliberations aim to strengthen future global health emergency responses  .
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