WHO reassures on the effectiveness of vaccines (4/12)
The WHO has reassured the public that current Covid-19 vaccines should remain effective against this variant to prevent symptomatic and severe forms of the disease. However, it urges vigilance, particularly in Asia where the variant has become dominant. Hong Kong reported that key Covid-19 surveillance indicators reached their highest levels in a year, prompting authorities to strengthen hygiene measures.
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Hong Kong’s positive test rates rise (5/12)
The percentage of respiratory samples testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 in Hong Kong doubled in one month, from 6.21% to 13.66%. In addition, the viral load in wastewater nearly doubled, reaching 710,000 copies/liter. Despite these alarming figures, there is currently no evidence that NB.1.8.1 causes more severe forms of the disease.
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Identification of the NB.1.8.1 variant in France and the United States (6/12)
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 Center for Disease Prevention and Control has not yet placed the variant under surveillance, but is closely monitoring its development.
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Low risk to public health but increased transmissibility (7/12)
According to the WHO, the additional public health risk posed by NB.1.8.1 is considered low globally. However, the observed mutations could increase its transmissibility, which requires further study. Scientists are concerned that these mutations could reduce the effectiveness of antibodies and promote immune evasion.
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