Highly Infectious COVID-19 Strain Spreads from China to U.S., CDC Confirms

A new, highly infectious COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, has been detected in the United States after causing a surge in hospitalizations in China and across Asia.

The variant, which spreads more rapidly than other strains, was first identified in the US in March and April, with cases reported in New York City, California, Washington State, Virginia, Ohio, Rhode Island, and Hawaii, primarily among international travelers.

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In China, the variant has driven a dramatic increase in emergency room visits and hospitalizations, with severe cases and deaths reported, especially among older adults.

Health experts are closely monitoring the situation as the virus continues to spread globally.

New COVID-19 strain from China that saw massive hospitalizations spike spreads to US