New Delhi: On Wednesday, May 28, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported a rise in COVID-19 cases in South East Asia, the eastern Mediterranean and western Pacific island nations. A new variant, christened NB.1.8.1 has been detected in about 11% of samples tested.
Though some Western Pacific island countries have seen a rise in hospitalizations and cases, the WHO says there is nothing to suggest that there will be a rise in cases so far.
India has detected one case of NB.1.8.1 so far, along with four cases of another variant called NF.7. The WHO has classified these as ‘variants under monitoring’ as they can potentially increase transmission. Still, health experts have said that there isn’t much evidence to prove these new variants can cause severe illnesses.
Meanwhile, India has reported more than 1,000 cases of COVID-19 since May 19, and health experts advice people to take the necessary precautionary measures.
Almost 1 billion people in India have been vaccinated against COVID-19 so far, and the government has an ample stockpile of vaccines in case of any emergency.
