The WHO reassures on the effectiveness of vaccines (4/7)
The WHO sought to reassure the public, stating that current Covid-19 vaccines should remain effective against this variant in preventing symptomatic and severe forms of the disease. However, it called for vigilance, particularly in Asia where the variant has become dominant. Hong Kong reported that key Covid-19 monitoring indicators had reached their highest level in a year, prompting authorities to strengthen hygiene measures.
Increase in positive test rates in Hong Kong (5/7)
The percentage of respiratory samples testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 in Hong Kong has doubled in one month, rising from 6.21% to 13.66%. Furthermore, the viral load in wastewater has nearly doubled, reaching 710,000 copies/liter. Despite these alarming figures, there is currently no indication that NB.1.8.1 causes more severe forms of the disease.
Identification of the NB.1.8.1 variant in France and the United States (6/7)
In France, the variant has been identified four times, according to the National Reference Center in Lyon. In the United States, travelers from European countries, including France, tested positive between late April and mid-May. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has not yet placed the variant under surveillance, but is monitoring its evolution closely.
Low risk to public health but increased transmissibility (7/7)
According to the WHO, the additional risk to public health posed by NB.1.8.1 is considered low globally. Nevertheless, the observed mutations could increase its transmissibility, which necessitates further research. Scientists are concerned that these mutations could reduce the effectiveness of antibodies and promote immune evasion.
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