21 States Across US Now Reporting COVID 'Razor Throat' Variant

The COVID-19 variant NB.1.8.1, dubbed "razor throat," is spreading across 21 US states and is now the dominant strain, comprising 43 percent of US cases. While the CDC reports overall COVID-19 levels as very low, NB.1.8.1 caused a surge in China earlier this year. Chinese health officials predicted a peak in July and potential global dominance, citing symptoms like sore throat, fever, and diarrhea. Concerns exist about the reliability of Chinese data on COVID-19. The WHO classifies NB.1.8.1 as a "variant under monitoring" with low global risk, and current vaccines are expected to remain effective. Another variant, XFG, is also under monitoring, accounting for around 14 percent of US cases. A recent poll shows 70 percent of Americans would still test for COVID-19 if symptomatic. In May, recommendations on COVID-19 vaccines were updated, and warnings about heart inflammation were expanded. The CDC has not yet commented on the situation. The Associated Press contributed to the reporting.