NB.1.8.1 and LF.7: What Are They? Symptoms and Details of These COVID Variants – 5 Cases in India So Far

NB.1.8.1 and LF.7: What Are They? Symptoms and Details of These COVID Variants – 5 Cases in India So Far

A new wave of concern has emerged as fresh COVID-19 subvariants — NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 — have been detected in India. Reports indicate an increased risk of infection in Delhi, with confirmed cases also in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.

🧬 What Are NB.1.8.1 and LF.7?

• These are subvariants of the JN.1 lineage, which in turn originates from the Omicron BA.2.86 variant.

• The subvariants contain mutations in the spike protein such as A435S, V445H, and T478I, making them:

  • More transmissible, and

  • Better able to evade immunity.

• These variants have also been detected in countries like the USA, Japan, South Korea, France, Thailand, and more.

• In China and Hong Kong, they have contributed to rising case numbers, especially among air travelers.

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📊 Current Situation in India (As of May 2025)

• NB.1.8.1: First detected in Tamil Nadu (April 2025)

• LF.7: Four cases found in Gujarat (May 2025)

• Other states like Delhi, Maharashtra, and Karnataka are also seeing a rise in COVID cases, according to INSACOG (Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium).

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🧪 WHO’s Position

• As of now, NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 are categorized as Variants Under Monitoring (VUM).

• They are not yet classified as Variants of Concern (VOC) or Variants of Interest (VOI).

• The World Health Organization (WHO) says the situation is under control as long as hospitalization or death rates don’t spike.

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🩺 Common Symptoms

The symptoms are largely similar to other Omicron variants:

1. Fever, sore throat, runny nose, dry cough

2. Fatigue, headache, muscle aches

3. In some cases: diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting

4. Diarrhea is reported more commonly in JN.1 and its subvariants.

5. Most vaccinated individuals recover within 4 to 5 days.

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✅ What You Should Do

• Elderly people and immunocompromised individuals should stay cautious.

• Healthy lifestyle, balanced diet, and booster doses are recommended.

• If symptoms appear, get tested via RT-PCR or rapid antigen test.

• If positive, isolate at home and follow medical advice.

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🔍 Summary Table

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