ATLANTA — The Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring a new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, which has been linked to a recent surge in cases in China.
The variant, first detected in the U.S. in late March, has now been identified in arriving international travelers through the CDC’s airport screening program. Cases have been found in California, Washington, Virginia, and New York City.
Early data suggests that NB.1.8.1 may spread more easily than previous strains, but there is currently no evidence that it causes more severe illness.
The CDC says it will continue monitoring the variant’s spread and impact as part of its ongoing surveillance efforts.
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